
Class -^Ij^mS^ 
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GofiyrightK". 



CQBfRIGUT DEPOSm 



THE 



STANDARD HORSE BOOK 



COMPRISING 



The Taming, Controlling and Educating of Unbroken 

AND Vicious Horses, and How to Break 

UP Bad Habits and Vices. 



The Diseases of Horses and Their Remedies. 



Oi^ER boo PAGES FULLY ILLUSTRATED. 



BV 13. IVIAONER, 

Author of the New System of Taming and Educating Ho 



CHICAGO 

THE WERNER COMPANY 
1895 




copyright iss7 
By D. MAGNER. 

copyright 1893 
By the WERNER COMPANY. 



♦ 



-fi 



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^ff^- 








Leading Veterinary Surgeons Who Assisted In Preparing Special Articles in This Volurr 



1. James Hamii.l, D V. S. 
4. A. J. Chandi.kr, V. S. 

7. D. «i. SUTHERLAND, V. S. 



2. T. Bknt. Cotton, V. S, 3. Paul Pauuin, A. M. V. S. 

5. John A. McLauohlin, V. S. ti. Chas. A. Meyer, V. S. 

8. Dk. B, V. McHeth. 9. J. A. Dell, V. S. 
10. S. Hkexton, V. S. 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Tlie Horse in his Relation to Man — His History — The Remarkable Evolution 
of the Horse — His Ancient Historic Record — His Place in our own 
History — The Horse in Nature — What he once was — His only Rela- 
tives — The Earliest American Horse — ^ohippus and his Changes — 
The Horse and Primeval Man — Alone in his Peculiar Anatomy — Spe- 
cial Type of the Modern Horse — Modifications of this Type — Science 
of the Modern Horse — American Breeds — All studies of the Horse ad- 
dressed to a common Human Interest. 

CHAPTER I. 

PRELIMINARY EXPLANATIONS. 

The Instincts of Lower Animals — Their Remarkable Powers — Adaptation of 
Domestic Animals to Special Wants of Man — Principles of Treatment 

— Necessary Qualifications for Success in Controlling Vicious Horses. . 25 

CHAPTER II. 

PRINCIPLES AND SECRETS OF THE ART OF TAMING AND EDUCATING HORSE?. 

Special Points of Importance — The War Bridle — Principles of its Application 

— The " W," or Breaking Bit — Training the Mouth — Four-ring, or 
Upper Jaw Bit — Half moon Bit — Spoon Bit — Patent Bridle — Foot 
Strap — Patent Breaking Rig 53 

CHAPTER III. 

COLT TlfAINING. 

How to Make the Colt Gentle — Teaching to be Ridden, Handled, and to Fol- 
low — Various Methods — Making a Wild Colt Follow Instantly — How 
to Make any Sullen Colt Lead — Teaching a Colt or Horse to Follow 
with the Whip — Making the Colt Fearless of Objects and Sounds — 
Driving any Colt in Harness without Breeching — Training the Mouth. 
Biting, etc 106 

CHAPTER IV. 



Susceptibility to Fear — How to Prevent and Overcome It — Illustrative Cases 
— Fear of Rattle of Wagon — Jumping out of Shafts — Top Carriage — 
Objects Exciting Fear while Riding or Driving — A Robe — Umbrella 
or Parasol — Sound of a Gun — Hogs and Dogs — Railroad Cars — In- 
sanity 

(V) 



CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER V. 



Causes of Kicking — -How to Prevent and Overcome It — Driving any Kicker 
without Breeciiing — Switching Kickers — Kickers in Stall — While Har- 
nessing — Nervous Kickers — Kicking while Grooming — Runaway 
Kickers. .... . . 148 

CHAPTER VI. 

RUNNING AWAY. 

Runaway Kickers — Different Methods of Controlling the Mouth — How to 
Hold any Horse — Lugging, or Pulling upon One Rein — Making a Horse 
Back < 1S3 

CHAPTER VII. 

BALKING. 

Preventing the Habit — Different Methods of Starting the Balker — How to 
Break up the Habit — Different Tricks Used — Will not Stand when 
Getting in or out of a Wagon — Double Balking — An Easy Method of 
Breaking a Double Balker. . . . 193 

CHAPTER VIII. 

HAD TO SHOE. 

Taking up the Colt's Foot — Easy Method of Controlling Colts — Confirmed 
in the Habit — Simple Method of Making a Horse Stand to be Shod — 
The Control of Very Difficult Cases — Leaning Over J09 

CHAPTER IX. 

HALTER- PL LLING. 

How to Prevent any Colt or Horse from Halter-pulling — How to Break any 
Horse of the Habit — Running Back in the Stall when Unhitcht-d — 
Standing Without 15eing Hitched — Hitching any Horse so that he will 
not Pull after Two or Three Minutes 222 

CHAPTER X. 

STALLIONS. 

Care in their Management — Treatment for Headstrong Stallions — Treatment 
for Very Vicious Stallions — How to Subdue and Control any Stallion 
so that he can be Called away from a Mare in a few Minutes — Special 
Tests Illustrating the Ease with which this can be Done. . . . 232 

CHAPTER XI. 

CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 

Cruelty of Checking — The Foolishness of the Practice — Iiijurii)us to the 

Horse — Covering the Eyes — A Bad, Senseless Custom. . . . 246 



CONTENTS. vii 

CHAPTER XII. 

THE MULE. 

PACK 

His Subjection and Management. . 263 

CHAPTER XIII. 

MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. 

Cribbing — Wind-sucking — Putting the Tongue out of the Mouth — Pawing 
in Stall — Kicking in Stall — Getting Cast in Stall — Jumping over 
Fences — Tender-bitted — Ricking Cows — To Lead a Cow Easily. . 266 

CHAPTER XIV. 

TEACHING TRICKS. 

To Follow by the Whip — To Throw Boys — To Drive without Reins — To 

Tell the Age, etc., etc 275 

CHAPTER XV. 

EQUESTRIANISM. 

Horseback Riding — Its Beneficial Effects upon the Health — Teaching to Ride 

— Position in the Saddle — A Model Riding Horse, etc. . . . 2S6 

CHAPTER XVI. 

BREEDING. 

Principles of Breeding — Methods Adopted in Foreign Countries, etc. . 296 
CHAPTER XVII. 

STABLING. 

Construction of Stable — Air and Light — Form of Manger 301 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

FEEDING AND WATERING. 

Cooked Food — Mr. Bonner's System. ........ 3°7 

CHAPTER XIX. 

HOW TO TELL THE AGE ACCURATELY. 

Caries of the Teeth — Treatment. ......... 313 

CHAPTER XX. 

SHOEING. 

Principles of Shoeing — Tips and Thin Shoes — Contraction — A Reliable 
Method of Preventing and Curing Contraction — Old Methods of Treat- 
ing it — Quarter-crack — Simple Method of Curing any Case — Crack, or 
Fissure of Toe — Corns — Causes, and Practical Method of Curing — 
Weak Heels — Their Management — Interfering — Clicking, or Over- 
reaching — Stumbling — Shoeing Sore or Foundered Horses — Causes 
of Injury in Shoeing. .......... 339 



viii CONTENTS. 

DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The Circulation — General Plan of the Circulatory System — Derangements 

of that System the Cause of Disease — Importance of Ventilation. . 401 

CHAPTER XXn. 

Anchylosis — Caries ^Necrosis — Exostosis, or Bony Enlargement — Splints 

— Spavins — Ring-bone — Side-bone, or False Ring-bone — Curb — Bog 
Spavins and Thorough-pins — Capped Hock • — Wind-galls — Navicular- 
joint Lameness — Founder — Chronic Founder — Peditis. . . .411 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Sec. I. Catarrh — Laryngitis — Distemper — Glanders and Farcy — Chronic 
Cough — Heaves, or Broken Wind — Roaring — Bronchocele — Nasal 
Gleet — Influenza, Epizootic, or Catarrhal Fever — Pink-eye — Conges- 
tion of the Lungs — Pleurisy — Pneumonia — Ilydrothorax — Typhoid 
Pneumonia— Bronchitis 453 

Sec. 2. Colic ^ Flatulent Colic — Inflammation of the Bowels — Superpurga- 
tion — Diarrhea — Constipation — Worms — Bots — Inflammation of the 
Kidneys — Profuse Staling — Inflammation of the Bladder — Retention 
of Urine — Bloody Urine — Inflammation of the Brain — Vertigo — Sun- 
stroke 493 

Sec. 3. Spinal Meningitis — Paralysis — Lock-jaw — Stringhalt — Thumps — 
Lymphangitis — Weed — Monday Morning Leg — Peritonitis — Indiges- 
tion • — Acidity of the Stomach — Acute Indigestion. .... 524 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Sec. I. The Foot — Pricking in Shoeing — Stepping on Nails, Glass, etc. — 
Foot Lameness — Seedy Toe — Graveling — Bruise of the Sole — Treads, 
or Calks — Overreach — Qiiittor — Thrush — Canker 536 

Sec. 2. Sprains, Bruises, etc. — Sprain of the Back Tendons — Breaking Down 

— Sprain of the Fetlock — Shoulder Lameness — Sweeney — Hip Lame- 
ness — Knuckling Over — Broken Knees, or Open Joint — Fractures — 
Dislocation of Patella — Stifle-joint Lameness i;4S 

Sec. 3. Cuts or Wounds — Sore Mouth — Fistula of the Withers — Poll-evil— 

Diseases of the Eye — Dropsy — Swelled Legs 568 

Sec. 4. Diseases of the Skin — Surfeit — Nettle Rash, Hives, etc. — Mange — 
Hen Lice — Ring-worm — Scratches — Grease — Tumors — Sallenders — 
Saddle and Collar Galls — Tenotomy — Castration — Parturition — 
Counter-irritants — Fomentations — Poultices — The Pulse — Giving 
Balls — Physicking— Bleeding — Setons — The Rowel — Tracheotomy 
Embrocations — Liniments — Rheumatism, Acute and Chronic — Warts. 592 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE HORSE stands nearer to the daily life of man than any other 
animal, not even excepting the dog. He has done this in all 
ages and countries, and his story goes back with that of man to 
a time unknown, and long before the dawn of our present civilization. 
A slave through the entire known history of the human race, indispensa- 
ble in war and peace, a sharer in every peril and a sufferer in every vicis- 
situde of his master, he has been often abused and always misunderstood. 
No other animal has shared with man the shock of battle, and he has 
died with his master by millions upon the field. He has conquered ene- 
mies, won fields, saved nations ; a soldier gallant, speechless, uninter- 
ested, with nothing to gain and all to lose, "his not to reason why; 
his but to do and die." 

Of all the animals the horse has the strangest history. As we now 
know him he is the embodiment and proof of the doctrine of Evolution. 
His native country is to man unknown, and his first subjection is equally 
a mystery. The oldest authentic record thus speaks of him : " Hast thou 
given the horse strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? " 
Even in the far-off" times of Job he was an animal so splendid as to excite 
the admiration of one of the greatest poets who has ever lived. He is 
mentioned in authentic profane history that was written two thousand 
years before Christ. He is represented in Egyptian carvings that were 
cut about iSoo B.C. In ancient Greek, Roman and Assyrian history he 
figures almost as largely as his master does. Every schoolboy knows the 
story of Alexander the Great, and that the first victory he ever won was 
over the horse Bucephalus. 

In Saxon history, which is our history, the horse appears very early. 
The old story of England is full of him. Laws about breeding him were 
enacted in the time of Henry VIII., about 1490. Long before that time 
he had ceased to be a creature of chance begetting, and the jennet, the 
palfrey and the charger figure throughout all the days of chivalry. 
Special breeds with special merits were matters of interest and pains be- 
fore there were any roads in England. The big horse we now regard 
as a draft animal exclusively ; the Percheron and Norman are at least as 
old as the crusades, and carried men weighted with the clumsy armor of 
the Middle Ages before their necks had ever known a collar. 
Cix) 



X INTRODUCTION. 

But the story of the horse as written by nature, and before he had any 
connection with man, is more strange than any item of written history. 
He is a near relative of the tapir and the rhinoceros, and has passed 
through astonishing stages of evolution to arrive at what he now is. He 
can be traced in his various forms back to the Tertiary age, and his entire 
present family is now represented by the two animals mentioned and 
himself. 

The remains of the earliest horse are found in the United States ; in 
the strata and deposits of New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah. There is 
in all nature no greater contrast than that which is shown in the phe- 
nomenal evolution of this most remarkable animal. He was then a crea- 
ture a little larger than a fox. He had four toes, or hoofs, instead of the 
present one, and science names him Eoh'ippns. With three toes, with 
two, and finally with one and rudiments of others, specimens of him 
come in between. This most remarkable record of animal creation re- 
mains undisputed. These strange creatures, changing through the a?ons, 
were, one after the other, merging into each other as the ages passed, the 
veritable ancestors of the modern creature who is totally unlike them ; 
who has been the close companion of man since history began ; and whom 
man has never known except in his present form with his single toe — 
the horse. 

Both in Europe and America are abundantly found the remains of the 
immediate ancestor of the present horse. But even he had three toes. 
Much later, but still far beyond the boundaries of human history, he ran 
wild, in droves, as he is now with a single toe which we call the hoof 
The men of the age of polished stone, the primeval human, hunted him 
for food, and their remote descendants have returned again to the eating 
of him. Fossil remains of the true horse are abundantly found in Amer- 
ica, and one of the unsolved problems is how, being once so abundant 
here, he became entirely extinct, and was unknown to the western con- 
tinent until again brought from Europe. Since that date there is no 
other country in which he has multiplied so fast or become so easily ac- 
climatized. The argument is that America is his native country in his 
latest form, and that when the Europeans imported him he was but com- 
ing home again. 

In being constructed as he is in anatomy and outward form, the horse 
is as peculiar, and as much alone as he is in his unique history. If we 
were not accustomed to him we should be surprised in reading of him. 
No other animal is so constructed, with one toe at each extremity; a 
single nail on the end of a limb ; on which he walks, trots, paces, racks 
or gallops. He is without a parallel among vertebrates ; an instance of 
specialization in nature otherwise unknown. He is in still other respects 



IN rii OD VC TION. xi 

a unique animal. While he was acquiring his single toe his neck 
lengthened. His eye became large and prominent. His ear became 
smaller and grew tapering. His sense of smell became one of the most 
acute known to any animal. Now his length of limb, and the angles 
which the difl'erent segments form with each other, make him in firm- 
ness, stability, lightness, quickness, speed, endurance, the foremost 
among beasts. 

When man first came to know the horse he had a special type. He 
often goes back toward that type now. This original horse was a dun- 
colored animal, inclined to stripes, much like his present brother, the 
zebra. In our southwest, where he has in some cases gone wild again, a 
reversion to this ancient type is common. He was an animal difficult to 
tame, as the zebra is, but this taming was first effected in times unknown. 

So far as we are concerned, man has always known the horse tame, 
and a slave. He and the earliest records of human history go together. 

There are six modifications of the horse-type now in existence. The 
two extremes are represented by the horse and the common donkey. 
Some of the six families are nearly enough related to breed together. 
Strangely enough, those that are farthest apart are oftenest connected. 
The story of the mule goes back almost as far as that of the horse. He 
is a hybrid that has never reproduced his kind, and who is a singular in- 
stance of an inheritance of patience, endurance and frugality from one 
ancestor, and of brains and activity from the other. There is a mental 
difference which has been turned to account. The patience of the donkey, 
the high spirit of the horse and the persistent obstinancy of the mule are 
all proverbial. 

The science of the horse as we know him to-day, is largely embodied 
in the following pages. We procured our present horse from England. 
The racing strain began there with a bay stallion who was known as the 
"Darley Arabian," imported in the reign of Qiieen Anne, about 1702. 
It is not included in the plan of the present volume to deal with strains 
and pedigrees, or with the performances of celebrated individuals. It 
may, however, be remarked that the Americans have in many respects 
departed from European standards in their uses and breeding of the horse. 
In any investigation of that part of the general subject some curious facts 
at once appear. The trot, an artificial gait of the horse, whereas to 
pace is natural, has been developed in the United States. "Trotting 
matches " are recorded as having occurred in colonial times. The idea 
was new, and has been at various times criticised by other nations as a 
cruelty. 

The first distinguished American breed of horses was the " Narragan- 
sett Pacer," a riding-horse unequalled in his time or since. The original 



xii INTRODUCTION. 

sire was a stallion imported from Spain, and known to his times as 
" Old Snip." There is no further record of him than that he originated 
the strain mentioned. In the end they went back into Spanish hands 
by whom they were exported to the island of Cuba, where the breed still 
lives. Another breed, celebrated in its time, was the " Morgan Horse," 
the progeny of a scrub stallion owned by an officer of the Revolution. 

These were our beginnings. The present American horse has his 
origin in the bay stallion mentioned previously as coming to England in 
the time of Qiieen Anne. He has had, in the United States, many ad- 
mixtures, and ihany changes and improvements. Many even of his dis- 
eases are now his alone, and many of his distinguishing traits are purely 
American. A prominent development has been backward toward unre- 
strained nature, and it is embodied in an animal in many respects un- 
equaled among his aristocratic kindred, and known by us as a " Broncho." 

In the days before the railroad we had bred draft horses ; the " Con- 
estoga" being a specimen. With the advent of that great feature of 
our civilization these gradually disappeared. Within thirty years our 
heavy horse is mainly descended from the ancient Norman and Percheron 
that was to the knight a riding-horse, and from the English draft or shire 
horse. 

Claiming in all ages an immense share of the interest and attention of 
his master, and valuable to man above all other animals, nothing that is 
said of the treatment of the horse in health, sickness and use can entirely 
lack interest. To thousands of intelligent men he is of himself a science. 
He has repaid a hundred fold in profit and in pleasure all that has been 
spent upon him. Much has been recently said about the supplanting 
of the horse, at least in cities, by the machine, by the bicycle and by 
the motor-impelled vehicle. But the result of this process has al- 
ready begun to be apparent in the desire of all interested to breed a 
better horse, and to teach him more and understand him better after he 
is bred. There is a pleasure in his companionship which humanity is 
not yet ready to forego. To such as these, to the lovers of animals in 
general, and the horse in particular, the following pages are addressed. 
His vices are described and a cure for each of them is suggested. His 
diseases are discussed and the remedies prescribed by the most prominent 
veterinarians of the country. But the most prominent feature of the vol- 
ume is a description of his powers, uses and virtues ; how to train and 
enjoy him, and get the most from him, and through him to add to the 
pleasure and the usefulness of ordinary life. 



THE 



STANDARD HORSE BOOK. 



Chapter 1. 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 



ONCE, while stopping with a 
farmer, as a matter of amuse- 
ment I took a colt that had 
become unmanageable to him, and 
made him perfectly gentle. Upon 
learning what I had done, the farmer 
was so surprised at the result as to 
offer me fifty dollars for the secret. 
Without thinking, I proposed teach- 
ing him and ten of his neighbors 
how I did it, in addition to other 
points that might be of interest to 
them. In this I was entirely suc- 
cessful, and thus I was unintention- 
ally drifted into the most trying 
and exacting field of effort that 
ever man engaged in, which con- 
tinued nearly nineteen years. I 
was necessarily forced into contact 
with all sorts of people, who were 
continually trying to break me 
down, and in addition I had the 
most vicious and difficult horses 
forced upon me to experiment upon ; and that I succeeded at all 
seems to me even now so remarkable as to be beyond belief. But 
without realizing it, or knowing it at the time, the people who forced 




Fig 



- Ideal Head of an Intelligent, 
Docile Character. 



26 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 



me to these trials were in reality my best friends, because proving the 
best instructors to me in the world ; and the experiments upon vicious 
horses were just what was necessary to give me the best opportuni- 




FiGs. 8-4. — Extremes of. Vicious Character. 



ties of observation and practice needed to master the subject. Now, 
in teaching classes I soon found it necessary to make such explana- 
tions of points and conditions as I could before making experiments ; 
and in like manner, before taking up the details of instruction, I think 
it necessary to refer to such points as will be most suggestive in the 
study of the subject. I may state that this is somewhat difficult 
here, because compelled to limit my explanations to less than one 
half of what I have been able to devote to it in my regular work on 
the horse, and also to omit many chapters of much interest to the 
general reader. 

Many of the lower animals possess some qualities by nature that 
make them, in some respects, re- 
ally superior to man. The dog, 
for example, can follow the track of 
his master through a crowd of 
strangers, though hours behind, 
and find him ; and he will also 
find his way home, though distant 
hundreds of miles — a fact that has 
been repeatedly proved. The 
ordinary sheep-dog will at com- 
mand find and bring home stray 
sheep of the flock ; and the 
blood-hound can perform the still 
more remarkable feat of taking up 
the track of a criminal hours aft- 
erward, by the scent of a bit of his 
clothing, and pick him out from hundreds of others who had been his 
companions — a power that entitles even the commonest cur to our 
kindest consideration. The eagle and vulture, though miles in the 




Fig. 5. — A Portrait of a Docile Family Horse. 



PRELIMIXA i; Y REMARKS. 




Fig. 6. — A very Intelligent, Docile Character. 



air, can see the smallest ob- 
jects of prey on the ground — a 
power far beyond that of man. 
Thus these superior qualities, 
exhibited so largely by the 
lower animals, seem to be a 
special provision of nature to 
guard them from danger and 
aggression, or to aid them in 
providing sustenance. 

Now, this singular power 
of instinct appears to be a very 
strongly marked feature of the 
horse's nature. The wild horse 
of the prairie cannot be ap- 
proached near enough on the 
windward side to imperil his safety ; and even when cornered and 
unable to get away, his acts of biting, striking, or kicking are but 
his natural promptings to defend himself. It is also seen that no 
matter how wild a colt, when treated with such kindness as to win 
his confidence, he not only will not show fear of man, but become a 
pet. A good demonstration of this is shown in the remarkable do- 
cility of the Arab horses, which are always treated with the utmost 
kindness ; and ladies 
who are specially kind 
to horses, it is known, 
can approach them 
anywhere, and make 
them such pets that 
they will follow, even 
into the house. Per- 
haps in no way is this 
peculiar instinct more 
strikingly shown than 
in the repugnance of 
exceptionally sensi- 
tive, intelligent horses 
to men who may be 
ignorantly or thought- 
lessly cruel to them. 

Hence it is evident ^'''- "' — In'elligenl, Courageous, but very Sensitive Nature. 

that the true ground of success in the subjection and education of 




as 



rh'KiJ.ui.\.\ h' y h'KM I h'Ks 




s On* ol lh» most Vicious Horses 
c>v«r SuNutHl by Ihv Author. 



the hoisr. ov iit brrakini; \ip ami 
ovoiviMuii)^ l»iul habits vvlu-n 
ron\)ovl. luust ho ill proportion to 
tlu- ilrgivc t»» v\ hich tl»o t-lVorts can 
ho inttlli^tutly avlihossoii to tl>r 
liiu- ol'thi'Sf instincts, l\oKlin^ pas- 
sive, convlMtinij, or ovt-rconiin^ 
thfin while .»<Klrcssii\j^ the untUr 
stai\ilin^, withvHit exciting Ivis 
fears or resist at>ee ; ami it is ab- 
solutely imperative that in his 
eilncation these eomlitions shv>nM 
not be tlisrei^arvUnl, 

Another point : a hvMse nva\ b*- 
moveil to inteiise excitetuent aiul 
extreme resistance by even a nuv 
mentary in»pressioi\ of fear, vvithinit any contact with v>r c.uise for 
feelini; vlirect physical pain ; ami a^ain, in like tuanner, when prop- 
erly treate<l, snch fear may be overcome without rest>rtin^ to treat- 
ment that wouKl cause the least physical pain or injury. 

Another important feature for consideration is the womlerful 
adaptation in the various iK>n\estic anin\als, not only to the several 

w.mts .uul reipiirements i>f 
>\ian, but ti> the sections of 
the workl in which we fuul 
them, Thvis, for example, 
the Ivsquimau has not only a 
tlo^, but one peculiarly fitteil 
by nature to his especial 
wants, actinjj not only as a 
llshern\an and a hunter, but as 
a beast of burden, bein^ in 
fact the only animal that 
couKl live and be of any use 
to him so far north. A little 
farther south, the Laplander 
has the reindeer, that lives 
on the moss peculiar to those regions, providii\j; both sustenance 
and dothinjj for him, as well as bein^ the very best mea»\s of trav- 
elin^i over those drxwry, frozen plains. The Teruvians have the 
llama for carryinjj burtlens over the Andes. The Arabs have the 
camel for their peculiar want, th.it of traveliiii; over the arid, sandy 




Kio, *,• Nervous, Excitable Horse. 



t'JC/'JJJM/NA U Y JCJ'JUA UKS. 



29 




Kl'i. 10, A Vicious, Treacherout Nature 



desert, an<l so constituted an to carry witJiiti himself a supply of wa- 
ter Muffitieiit to last for many dayts. 

Not only do we see here upccial families, demonstratinj; thi» 

principle most strikingly, but 
Kuch tiubdivitiionw of each ax 
adapt them more perfectly for 
Hpccial uses. Now the horse, 
which is by far the most noble, 
valuable, and useful of all the 
domestic animals, in the man- 
afjement of which we arc spe- 
cially interested, shows this to a 
wonderful A>:^'.^x*iiz in size, dis- 
position, and intelligence. For 
slow, drudging work, we have 
the coarse-grained, patient, 
heavy cart or plow horse, while 
for quick, long-continued exer- 
tion, we have the lithe thoroughbred, with the conformation of the 
greyhound, capable, if necessary, of running with the fleetness of 
the wind, From these extremes we have illimitable modifications, 
adapting them the more perfectly to the various requirements of 
nr/an. Now, it is clear that the nervous, energetic racer or thor- 
oughbred would be 
entirely out of place 
for the cart or plow, 
and the coarse- 
grained cart or plow 
horse for the quick, 
active exertion of 
speedy travel ; and 
that to make each 
most useful he must 
be emjjloyed for such 
work only as nature 
best fits him for, 

iJependent upon these physical conditions are others that have 
a still more important bearing upon the success of our efforts, be- 
cause they are necessarily more obscure, and we are compelled to 
.study them more carefully to win success, namely, the intelligence 
and disposition of horses. 

To illustrate my meaning in part : It is clear that some horses 




Ki<>. 11. Portrait ol a Noted Viuouk HorM. 



30 



PI! ELI MIX A R Y ICE MA RKS. 




Fig. 12. — Sullen Treachery. 



are very much more intelli- 
gent and quick to compre- 
hend than others ; that some 
are by nature of the most 
perfect docility, while others 
have a large element of the 
naturally vicious, dangerous 
character. Here, then, we are 
compelled to study and learn, 
if possible, two things, — the 
conditions requisite for the 
best management of the sen- 
sitive, intelligent nature, as 
well as those that are dull, 
strong, and naturally vicious. 
In the first, we must study 
how to address and win the understanding directly, if possible, with- 
out a ruffle of excitement ; and in the management of the second, 
we must impress the intelligence in such a way as to win obe- 
dience most safely and easily. 

This necessarily requires the careful study of the vital powers, 
dependent upon the following conditions : First, the intelligence, as 
dependent upon the volume of brain ; second, the physical strength, 
as dependent upon size and 
quality of bodily structure ; 
third, the peculiar phase and 
degree of the viciousness. 

It is evident that when we 
have large brain, dense text- 
ure of body, good digestion, 
and large, deep chest, we have 
indicated, first, great natural 
strength ; second, great en- 
durance, in consequence of 
ability to assimilate food ; 
third, capacity to oxygen- 
ate the blood rapidly, thus 
giving great endurance for 
long-susta'ned effort. Lack- 
ing these conditions to any 
extent, even though there 
may be great energy and pluck, there will be less ability to resist 
well-sustained coercive measures. 




13.— Sketch from Life of the most Vicious 
Mustang Pony the Writer ever Saw. 



I'UELIMIXA li Y RE MA HKS. 



31 




Sketch of a Vicious Stallion. 



Now, dependent upon 
the order of intelligence 
and bodily structure are 
certain peculiarities. 
For example, a full fore- 
head, large, clear eyes, 
tending to brown in 
color, set well out on 
the head, eyelids thin, 
medium length from 
eyes to ears, ears pointed 
and of medium length, 
placed not very wide 
apart and high between 
them, and large nostrils, 

will most always indicate the intelligent, steady, reliable, family 
horse ; while a forehead rather narrow, small, round eyes, set well 
back in the side of the head, eyelids heavy, long from eyes to ears, 
ears long and flabby, with a tendency to throw them back a little, 
nose rounding, and nostrils small, show the opposite, or a dull, sul- 
len, treacherous nature. If the forehead be of a medium or good 
breadth, the eyes good size, clear, and setting well out, the lids 
thin, short from eyes to ears, ears a little longer than common, and 

nostrils large, there 
will be indicated intel- 
ligence, activity, but 
great sensibility ; usu- 
ally termed the nerv- 
ous, sensitive horse, 
that will not bear ex- 
citement. 

From these extremes, 
again, we have illimit- 
able modifications, de- 
pendent upon condi- 
tions referred to. 
Figs. 1, 5, 6, and 7 
give the best expressions of a naturally docile, intelligent character. 
Figs. 1, 5, and 6 are fine illustrations of the best types of the gentle 
family horse. Fig. 7 is the best type of a sensitive, but very intel- 
ligent horse, being a portrait of a noted Arabian horse. Fig. 9 is a 
good type of a very nervous, sensitive character. Figs. S, 10, and 11 




Fia. 15. — Portrait of a Noted Vicious Horse in a Rage. 



32 



I'KlSCirLES OF TREATMENT. 



are modifications of the 
dull, sullen, treacherous 
type. Fig. 10 is a portrait 
of a very marked case. 
Fig. 11 is also a portrait 
of a very noted vicious 
horse. Fig. 13 is that 
of a mustang pony, the 
most desperate, reckless 
creature the writer ever 
subjected to treatment. 
Fig. 17 is a portrait of a 
case that up to nine 
years old had proved 
utterly unmanageable, 
but whose character was 
made so gentle, after an 
hour's treatment, that it was afterward used as a family horse. Fig. 
21 is a good illustration of the barnyard lunkhead. In addition 
there is seen to be a large number of illustrations showing combina- 
tions and contrasts of character which are deserving of careful study. 
The size of bone, the texture of bodily structure, the length and 
color of hair, amount of hair in mane or tail, the action in moving, 
the size and expression of 
eye, the peculiarity of head, 
its length, breadth, etc., are 
subjects requiring the most 
constant and careful con- 
sideration in directing in- 
telligent treatment. 




Fig. 16. — Naturally Docile and Intelligent. 



Principles of Treatment. 




In the subjection and 
education of horses, we 
have several natural diffi- 
culties to contend with. 
First : The horse is much 
stronger than man, and 
just so far as he in any 
way learns that he can resist man's control, to that degree will he 
be encouraged and inclined to resist or combat him : hence, an in- 



' Wild Pete." A Very Peculiar and Inter- 
esting Case. 



NATURAL DIFFICULTIES. 



33 




Fig. 18.— Docile. Intelligent. 



dispensable condition of his successful education is that he must be 
given no opportunity to learn that he is not in every respect subor- 
dinate to man in physical power, until his 
character becomes fixed. 

Second : His methods of reasoning be- 
ing dependent upon and limited to the ob- 
servation and experience of his senses of 
seeing, hearing, smelling, and feeling, to 
prevent his becoming excited or frightened 
at objects and sounds with which he is 
necessarily brought in contact, he must be 
convinced in his own way, through these 
faculties, of their harm.less and innocent 
character. Consequently, if he be treated 
according to these laws of his nature, he 
can be made to do willingly, without fear 
or resistance, anything for which he is by 
nature adapted. 
Third : The horse, being unable to understand the meaning 
of articulated language, excepting so far as words are associated 
with actions, we must address his intelligence on this plane of his 
reasoning, because it is only by doing so that he can be expected to 
comprehend our wishes clearly. 

Fourth : To the degree that the horse becomes excited, fright- 
ened, or confused, he must necessarily be both unable to under- 
stand what is required to be 
done, and correspondingly 
less inclined to submit to re- 
straint in his management. 
Hence, whatever the treat- 
ment, it must be of a charac- 
ter not to confuse or excite 
him, nor to expose him to 
such excessive fear as would 
shock and derange his nerv- 
ous system. 

Taking these conditions in 
order, we see, for example, 
that if a horse learns to pull 

away, break his halter, resist the blacksmith in shoeing, or run 
away, etc., he will be encouraged to and try to do so afterward 
until the habit becomes fixed. On the contrary, when a colt is 




Fig. 19.— a Noted Vicious Horse. 



34 



PRINCIPLES OF THE AT ME XT. 




Fig. 20. — Strong-Willed, Intelligent Character. 



first haltered, no matter how hard he may resist, if once taught to 

submit, he will not only readily follow without restraint, but will do 

so ever afterward ; or when the feet are taken up and handled 

until the operation is fully sub- 
mitted to, or such restraint 
brought upon him as to com- 
pel submission, there will not 
only be obedience for the time, 
but all inclination to resist 
will be radically overcome. 

Now, the principle is the 
same in relation to other hab- 
its, or in overcoming vicious- 
ness. No matter how wild or 
unmanageable the horse may 
be, if he can be so treated that 
successful resistance becomes 
impossible, and he is shown 

that he will not be injured, there will not only be entire submission 

without the use offeree, but if not excited or abused, he will remain 

permanently docile. 

But it is imperative that there be at no point such an exposure 

of weakness as would encourage resistance ; for, though the method 

of treatment may be in itself right, 

if not carried to the point desired, 

the difficulties of the treatment will 

necessarily be increased to a degree 

liable to precipitate failure. For 

example, there may be strength to 

take up a colt's foot ; but if at any 

point of holding it it is pulled 

away, and control resisted, he will 

be inclined to resist afterward with 

as much energy as if there had not 

been sufficient power to take it up 

at all. Or, in teaching a horse to 

lead by the halter, if he resists suc- 
cessfully it will teach him to resist 

the efforts by pulling away. Now, 

the method of pulling on the halter may be all right, but the point 

of difficulty would be in not having power to carry it far enough. 

Not only this, but it is vital to success to do it properly, or in such 




-Barnyard Lunkhead. 



rniNCIPLES OF TBEATMENT. 



35 



a way that there would be the least inclination to resistance. If, 
for example, in taking up the horse's foot, by standing forward of 
the hip, well up near the body, 
facing backward, one hand is 
rested against the hip, while at 





/ ^-''' Mm I] "/ i'^> '^1'' 




Fid. i'J— Docile Expression. 



Fig. 23. — Docile Expression. 



the moment of taking up the foot with the other, there is firm press- 
ure exerted against the hip, to throw the weight upon the op- 
posite leg, the foot can be brought up easily, and then, when sub- 
mitted to, the simple movement forward will bring it against the 
knees to be handled with safety as desired. In leading by the 
halter, if, instead of pulling straight ahead, which gives the horse 
great advantage to resist, the operator stands opposite the shoulder 
and pulls sufficiently hard to bring 
the horse off his feet a few times, 
he will soon follow unconditionally 
without the least restraint. 

In a hundred different ways this 
principle is seen to be illustrated in 
consequence of the horse's not being 
sufficiently disciplined to make him 
entirely manageable in harness and 
fearless when under the tests of se- 
vere excitement. It is for this 
reason that horses that may have 
been driven for months, or even 
years, when managed with care, or 
not subjected to unusual causes of 
accident or excitement, are liable 
at some unguarded moment, when 




fiG. 24. — Coarse, Low-bred Horse. 



36 



rniXCIPLES OF TUEArMEXT. 



exposed to some exceptional strain, up to which they have not been 
tested, to become frightened and resist control, thereby resulting in 
constantly recurring cases of accident, as well as endangering the 
spoiling of the horse ; which would all have been prevented by the 
application and proper carrying out of necessary treatment in the 
first place. 

Second : We see that when an object of fear or unusual sound 
is brought suddenly or unexpectedly to the horse's notice, or in con- 
tact with any part of his body, it is liable to excite the most intense 
fear and resistance ; whereas, if brought slowly and gently to his no- 
tice, letting him smell or feel of it until convinced of its harmless- 
ness, it can be brought over and around him without causing the 
least fear or attracting his attention. It makes no difference whether 





Fig. 26. — Treacherous. 



it is in driving to a carriage, letting the cross-piece come against the 
quarters, raising an umbrella behind him, the noise of a steam-engine, 
or anything else, the principle is the same. 

Third : In relation to making him understand the meaning of 
special sounds or words of command. If a man were simply to re- 
peat the word "Whoa" to a horse, he might do it indefinitely with- 
out his being able to understand its meaning and object. But if the 
horse were moved moderately, and immediately after the command 
he were pulled upon hard enough to make him stop, he would in a 
short time, when the word is repeated, learn to stop to avoid being 
hurt. Or, in teaching him to back, if after the word is spoken the 
reins be pulled upon sufficiently to force him back, he will, after a 
few repetitions, learn, when the command is given, to go back freely, 
to evade the restraint and pain. 

The better to illustrate this I will include here the details of 
teaching a few tricks. 



PllTXCIl'LES OF TREAT MEXT. 



37 



To teach a horse to make a bow, first 
prick him lightly on the back with a pin, 
and repeat this until, in his efforts to avoid 
the annoyance, he drops his head, after 
which caress him, repeating the pricking 
until the head is again dropped, when again 
repeat the caress and give him something 
of which he is fond, and continue to alter- 
nate in this way with the pricking, caress- 
ing, and rewarding, until at the least motion 
of the hand toward the back he will drop 
his head. 

To teach him to kick, simply prick him 
on the rump until there is an inclination 
to kick up, when, as before, caress him, and 
so repeat until the least motion of the 
hand toward the rump will induce him to 
kick up. 

In teaching any kind or number of tricks, 
the principle is the same, the only differ- 
ence being that instead of a pin, other 
means adapted to the requirements of the 
case must be used. 

But one thing should be taught at a 
time, and that slowly and carefully re- 
peated until thoroughly understood. The 
duller the horse, and the more complicated 
or difficult to the understanding the point 
to be taught, the less can be safely at- 
tem.ptcd, and the more time must neces- 
sarily be taken ; while the more intelligent 
the horse, and the simpler the thing re- 
quired to be done, the more can be ac- 
complished. And each point thus made 
should be made the foundation for the 
next, until the education is complete. 

Again, to have prompt obedience, 
the same signal and word given in 
teaching the trick, or whatever is re- 
quired to be done, must be repeated 
exactly, even to the tone and pitch of 
the voice ; otherwise a horse is liable 





Figs. 



27-30 — Modifications of Good 
Character. 



38 



PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT. 








Pigs. 31-3().— Extremes of 
Low-bred, Vicious Cliaracter. 



to become more or less confused and unable 
to understand or obey. The principle is the 
same in teaching a horse to do anything in 
or out of harness ; the point being that such 
means or methods of treatment are to be 
used as will give the necessary control, and 
at the same time convey to the understanding 
in the most direct manner the idea of what is 
desired to be done. 

Now, the principle is exactly the same in 
both preventing and overcoming viciousness 
or bad habits, no matter what their character 
or degree ; the only difference being that in- 
stead of teaching a trick, or obedience in any 
respect, we must aim now to combat the habit 
already formed, simply repeating until there is 
entire docility and submission. 

Again, in resorting to physical power, the 
nearer we are able to use it so as not to cause 
pain nor excite the belligerent nature of the 
horse, the better. If a man were strong 
enough to take a fighting bully by the shoul- 
ders and shake him so thoroughly as to show 
him that he had power to control the fellow as 
he pleased, and then treat him kindly and 
convince him that his intentions were good, it 
would have a better effect in impressing him 
with a sense of the man's mastery, and make 
him less inclined to resist, than if he had ob- 
tained control of him after a desperate struggle 
that would heat his blood and arouse his pas- 
sions to the point of recklessness. 

In like manner, if we could use power 
directly upon a horse, so as to restrain and 
control him as we wished, it would be far more 
effective than if the effort were of a character 
to cause him to become maddened and heated ; 
or, if this be impossible, then the resorting to 
such indirect measures of coercion as will en- 
able us to accomplish this most safely and 
easily. 

Now, the treatment herein given does this 



PniXCTPLES OF TREATMENT. 



39 



with far more ease, directness, and success 
than has ever yet been accomplished. It not 
only enables us to control with the greatest 
facility, frequently in a few minutes, not ex- 
ceeding twenty or thirty, horses that had re- 
sisted all previous efforts to subdue or con- 
trol them, and become practically worthless, 
but it gives the proper foundation for making 
the character safe and reliable afterward, its 
most remarkable feature being the startling 
results accomplished in so short a time, ap- 
parently changing the entire nature of the 
horse as if by magic. 

This treatment is the outgrowth of the" 
practice of over eighteen years of the most 
constant and exacting experimenting, and 
has been proved, by the results exhibited, to 
bring the control and education of horses as 
nearly as possible to the line of an exact 
science, conclusively showing that when 
horses become vicious or unmanageable, it is 
the result of ignorance or bad management, 
which the treatment herein given, if properly 
applied, would have entirely prevented. 

I could include a great deal of other 
treatment, and much of it very good, but 
wishing only to give what is practical, I con- 
fine myself to such treatment only as I have 
found in my experience to be best. 

Before taking up details, I would state 
that there is no difficulty in making a horse, 
even when of a very vicious character, gentle 
for a short time ; but the difficulty is to be 
able to hold and fix the character in such 
a way that he will remain gentle. This may 
be done in quite a variety of ways. Any 
method of lowering the vitality, such as bleed- 
ing, physicking, preventing sleep, depriving 
of food or water, subjecting to intense pain, 
or, in fact, any means whereby we can suc- 
cessfully lower the strength, will make a 
horse gentle. But the difficulty is that, how- 
ever gentle he may be at the time, when the 






^fr 





Figs. 37-40.— 
lions of Well-bred I 



40 



PETXCIPLE.S OF TREATMEXT. 





effect passes off, or the horse regains his 
strength, there will be so great a tendency to 
gravitate back to the former condition that 
the treatment will nearly always result in dis- 
appointment. 

While it is known that many persons have 
the power of controlling the will of others, or 
what is termed psychologizing them, and that 
some of the lower animals secure their prey in 
this manner, as exhibited by the snake in 
charming birds and small animals, various cases 
of which I refer to (particularly in discussing 
this subject) in my special work on the horse, 
the principle does not seem to work in the 
control of horses ; certainly it has not in my ex- 
perience, and I have hundreds of times pro- 
duced results before classes which seemed so 
remarkable to them that they would insist upon 
searching my gloves and clothes for some scent 
or odor which might account to them for the 
effect produced ; and even after this they could 
scarcely realize that it could be accomplished 
by the treatment illustrated before them. I 
have had members of classes repeatedly tell 
me in private that they knew I must have ac- 
quired my power by some secret not revealed 
to them, and be so confident of this that they 
would offer me large sums for it. 

I necessarily acquired a certain expert- 
ness, the result of practice and accuracy of 
judgment in applying treatment, that often en- 
abled results, in the control of certain types of 
resistance and character, that seemed very re- 
markable. This was frequently shown in the 
cases of horses afraid of a blanket, a buffalo- 
robe, or something of the kind ; in the control 
of a stallion so as to be led up to a mare and 
then called away ; the control of a wild and 
seemingly very dangerous colt that had been 
proved very unmanageable, so as to drive en- 
tirely gentle without breeching ; the making of 
Figs. 43-48. — Modifica- a colt follow, or the making of a halter-puller 
lions of Vicious Character, -^vhen hitched stand quietly without attempt- 






PlilXCII'LES OF TREAT MEXT. 



41 



ing to pull. It was no unusual thing for me to do, when the case 
happened to be good, within two or three minutes to be able to 






Figs. 49-51 —Three Types of Good CharaclBr. 

throw a buffalo-robe as I pleased over the head or around the body 
of a horse that had previously been quite seriously afraid of it, 
without the horse caring much about it. In the control of a head- 
strong stallion, if a good subject, it rarely required more than four 
or five minutes ; the hitching up and driving gentle of such a colt as 
described, in six to eight or ten minutes ; the making of a halter- 
puller stand submissive under the most severe excitement of being 






Figs. .52-.54. — Coarse. Low Character. 

whipped over the head, or the cause of the pulling thrown in his face, 
without his pulling, in a couple of minutes. 

Now, it is needless to add that if this treatment had been ap- 
plied roughly or improperly, this control could only be obtained after 
considerable severe treatment that would excite the horse greatly, 
thus acquiring control only at the expense of considerable time 



42 



PRIXCIPLES OF TUEATMEXT. 




Fig. 55. — Vicious Horse in a Rage. 



and trouble. This 
rule, in fact, runs 
througli every 
phase of the 
treatment, in il- 
lustratingitssuc- 
cess and apply- 
ing it properly. 

Suggestions in 

Relation to 

Principles of 

Management. 

If we tie down 
a horse's ear, or 
grasp it with the 
hand and twist it a little, it will be found that a horse that had been 
very nervous to shoe will often stand quite gentle to be shod. 
The jockey has learned that he can frequently make a bad kicking 
mare drive without kicking b}^ tying the tail down to the cross- 
piece of the shafts or forward to the belly-band of the harness, so 
that it cannot be raised ; because disabling the tail creates such a 
sense of helplessness as to counteract the inclination to kick. 

Sometimes checking the head high will accomplish the same 
result. Putting 
cobbles or shot in 
the ears will, on 
the same princi- 
ple, sufficiently 
disconcert a balky 
horse to make him 
go right along. 
Blindfolding by 
covering the eyes 
only carries this 
to a greater ex- 
tent, and will be 
found in most 
cases to make 
quite a stubborn 
horse work with 
excellent success. Fig. 56.— a Noted vicious Horse. 




rnrNCiPLEs of treatment. 



43 



The secret of the first horse-tamer of whom I have any account 
— Dick Christian of England — consisted simply in tying up the 
fore leg, and then mounting and riding the horse until submissive. 
The next step in this direction was disabling both fore legs, and thus 
forcing the horse to lie down, which carried this principle to a 
greater degree of perfection. This was regarded a very rare secret, 
and was the basis of the methods practiced by Bull in England, Sul- 
livan in Mallow, Ireland, Denton Offutt in Kentucky, and O. H. P. 
Fancher in Ohio, who were the first, most pretentious, and noted, 
before the advent of Rarey, who learned the secret of Denton Offutt, 




Fig. .57. — An Incident in the Driving of a Noted Runaway Horse. 



at the time a resident' of Georgetown, Ky. This was the sole and 
only secret upon which were based Rarey's most extraordinary pre- 
tensions, and for teaching which he made $100,000 in England ; and 
probably much more than that was paid in this country for the same 
knowledge. 

I may add, by wa}' of explanation, that the control of Cruiser 
and other noted cases in England and France, upon which his repu- 
tation was based, although it was assumed to be, was not and could 
not have been accomplished by this treatment. Those interested 
in a full explanation of all the facts in regard to it, will find the de- 
tails in the chapter on "' Subjection" in my work, " Facts for Horse- 
Owners." 



44 



miXCTPLES OF TREATMEXT. 



Various remedies have also been assumed to be used for taming 
horses under the pretense of a great secret, or the guise of fascina- 
tion, on the principle of using certain scents for attracting and con- 
trolling certain wild animals or fishes. These means have about the 
same effect upon a horse as good apples, or anything else of which 
the horse is naturally fond. While it is true that horses may some- 
times, for example, be strongly repelled by blood or the odor of poi- 
sonous snakes, and other dangerous animals, and that they are at- 
tracted and quieted by other scents, I have found nothing of the 




Fig. 58.-=^The Famous Horse Jet, of Portland, Me., Subdued by the Author in Thirty Minutes. 

kind that would accomplish satisfactory results to me in their con- 
trol, but little more than would be done by good apples, or the 
giving of anything else of which the horse is fond. Offutt and 
Fancher, before referred to, were the most pretentious in their use 
of such scents, the details of which I include in my other work. 

Various alterations or modifications of this method of subduing 
horses were made at different tirr^s by different parties ; but it was 
not until I was able to bring into use that here described as the 
First Method of Subjection, that the real power and effect of 
this principle of treatment was practically brought out ; which 



PRIXCU'LEH OF TREATMENT. 



45 



has been the outgrowth of a great deal of practical experimenting re- 
quiring over fifteen years' time. 

If in wrestling a man could be thrown directlj' upon his back 
as fast as he could get up, it is evident a much more effectual im- 
pression of his antagonist's mastery could be made than if he were 
permitted to carry on a doubtful struggle for half an hour, that would 
only occasionally bring him to his knees. The very doubtfulness of 
the contest would stimulate him to the utmost resistance until ex- 
hausted. But if he could be thrown at once, and as often as he could 
get up, his courage and confidence would be soon broken up, con- 
vincing him of the uselessness of continuing the struggle, and mak- 
ing the impression of mastery all that could be desired. 




Fio. 59. — An Act of a Noted Vicious Stallion Subdued by tlie Author in Less than an Hour. 

Now, the effect upon a horse will be the same. If the control 
can be made direct and positive, throwing him on his side as often as 
he can get up, the confidence which stimulates the resistance is 
quickly broken up. 

The method here given as the First Method of Subjection, bears 
exactly this relation to that formerly used. It gives just the ad- 
vantage and power that will enable any ordinary man to throw the 
strongest horse as quickly and as often as he can get up ; in 
addition, he can hold him down or roll him back, as he pleases, 
thereby making it not only far more effective, but entirely obviat- 
ing the objections to the old method. 



I have called attention to these interesting facts : first, that the 
horse is governed in his actions by certain instincts or inherent 



46 FRIXCIPLES OF T RE ATM EXT. 

powers, and that these must be studied closely as the foundation of 
his successful management ; next, tha. these constitutional differences 
are only provisions adapting him for special uses ; and that his charac- 
ter is clearly shown by the peculiarities of his bodily structure, ac- 
tions, and more especially by the features of the head. This will show, 
when looked at carefully, that resistance is only the expression of 
natural instinct, and that fear or vicious actions are not to be taken 
as indicating a degree of bad character or viciousness that should 




Fig. 60.— .The Thorough-bred. 

be considered an obstacle in making the character good, simply 
requiring greater care and thought in meeting and combatin? 
the resistance, whatever it is, in the most simple, direct, and 
humane manner. Though referred to before, it is so iir.portant 
that I call attention to it again here, that though the treat- 
ment may be applied just right, if not carried far enough, the 
failure may be as great as if improper treatment had been used ; 
and above all, that the better nature is to be won by patient, per- 
sistent kindness. I have called attention, next, to the various 
methods of treatment taught me by the experience of many long 
years of observation, experiment, and study, and have tried faith- 
fully to make the explanations as simple and olain as I could. 



PRINCIPLES OF rn EAT ME NT. 47 

Now, it is indispensable that tliis chapter, at least certain 
parts of it, which are the key and grtiundwork of the detailed 




Fig. (31. — A Good Model of Draught Horse. 

instructions in subsequent chapters, should be read very carefully. 
You cannot understand these principles too well. 




Fig. 62.— Shetland Pony. 



48 



FRIXCIPLE.S OF TllEATMEXT. 



There are also many points having close relation to this subject, 
and of great interest to the horseman, which want of space in a gen- 
eral work of this character compels me to omit : First, the inside 
history of Rarey's career, as a means of correcting the false impres- 
sions created by his pretensions and assumed success, because with- 
out it there was necessarily a certain mystery about the performance 
of this duty that could not well be made plain ; second, the details 




05 —Model of the French Nornian Horse 



of the management and history of a large number of speciall\- repre- 
sentative vicious horses, as suggestive aids to treatment in similar 
cases ; third, the outlines of my experience with reference to many 
cases and circumstances named, the better to authenticate the facts 
stated. There are also special chapters on other points having 
close and important connection with the instruction given on this 
subject. All these points are very fully given in my regular work 
on the horse, which can be referred to by those interested. 

I would now call attention to what I deem the most important 
condition of success, which should be considered, above all others, as 
deserving of the most serious consideration, namely, the judgment 
and skill with which the treatment is applied. 



PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT 



49 



It is generally supposed that the friost important qualification 
for success in the control of vicious horses, is being a sort of strong- 
ish bully, gifted with power to master a horse physically, or whip 
him into submission. Now, no mistake could be greater. In many 
hundreds of instances, in fact, it was a matter of almost daily occur- 
rence, horses were brought to me to experiment upon, which the 
most persistent efforts of the strongest and most pretentious or so- 
called best horse-breakers had failed upon, — horses that were sup- 




FiG. 64. — The Horse Ready to be Thrown. Old Method referred lo. 



posed to be so bad that nothing could be done with them. Such 
men were almost invariably members of my classes ; and the results 
I was able to produce before them became of the greatest interest 
to them, because proving to them the necessity and value of bring- 
ing into exercise their highest intelligence and ingenuity in the per- 
formance of this duty ; and that, in its true light, the study of the 
subject was one of the most interesting and instructive to which a 
thoughtful and intelligent mind could be directed. 

Finally, above almost any other profession or business, the 
proper and successful management of horses requires peculiarly fine 
qualifications ; and while in other directions one point of excel- 
lence may be sufficient to give a man marked success, this not only 
calls for a combination, but a very rare combination, of good qualities. 
First, a man must be fine and clear in his perceptions ; that is, he 



60 



PRIXCll'LES OF TREATJIFXT. 



must be quick to see, delicate in feeling, with sufficient strength 
of nerve to carry him through the severest trials without flinching 
or showing weakness ; added to these, sufficient persistence and 
patience to follow up every point of difficulty, no matter how great 
the obstacle, until successful. If I may so word it, he must 
have the delicacy of touch and feeling of a woman, the eye of an 
eagle, the courage of a lion, and the hang-on pluck of a bull-dog If 
he is lacking in any one of these qualities it is a matter of chance 




Fig. 65. — As the Horse is Liable to Rear and Plunge, in his Resistance to being Thrown. 



only, in critical cases, that there will not be accident or failure. 

Now, if you have n't these qualifications, you can exercise at 
least that very important one of going slow, studying your case 
thoroughly, using the greatest care possible, and being patient in 
your efforts. This alone will frequently enable you to do wonders. 

Imagine yourself in the horse's place, unable to talk or under- 
stand what is wanted to be done or the object of restraint, incited 
perhaps by great fear or the resentment of previous long-continued 
abuse, to resist contact or restraint, and you will have the truest 
instinct in pointing to the best course to be pursued. Not succeed- 
ing, even after great effort, should by no means imply failure ; the 
point is to look your difficulties over in their every phase, prepare 



rnixriPLEs or treatment. 



51 



yourself more carefully, trust nothing to chance, and never think you 
cannot succeed ; and, with the exercise of reasonable patience and 
care, especially when aided by the instructions here given, the most 
ignorant and least fitted by nature for this work may accomplish 
wonders. Certainly, this will compensate largely for want of skill ; 
and, as time should not be considered, this can without difficulty be 
exercised by every one. 




Fig. 66. — Usual Position before being Thrown. 



In the next chapter we will take up the details of treatment, 
comprising three direct methods of subjection, followed by several 
indirect methods, which give such power and effectiveness in the 
control of vicious horses as practically to leave but little to be de- 
sired. These methods of treatment have been the outgrowth of a 
great deal of practical experimenting, and by them I was able to ef- 
fect results in the subjection of vicious horses which it is conceded 
has never been equaled or approached in ancient or modern times ; 
and they give us the true foundation for the performance of this im- 
portant duty with entire success. 



Chapter II. 



FIRST METHOD OF SUBJECTION. 

AS before explained, disabling an\- part of the horse's body will 
produce in him a corresponding sense of helplessness ; and 
when we disable the whole body, or overmatch his pow- 
ers wholly, we create in him a powerful sense of our mastery, and 
a corresponding sense of his' own helplessness. The simplest and 
most effective means of doing this is by the method here given. 

I give two rigs, one of leather and one of rope. The leather 
rig works well, is not difficult to fit, but is troublesome to make, 




Mustang Ponies. 



and e.xpensive, costing from eight to fifteen dollars. The rope 
rig works equally well, and can be made of any old rope in a few 
minutes, at a mearly nominal cost. I include a description of each. 
For the leather rig the surcingle should be made of two thicknesses 
of good harness leather, about three inches wide, and about eight or 

f52) 



FinsT METHOD. 



53 



ten inches longer than the size of the body. The buckle should have 
two tongues, and be made of good wrought iron. When this rig is 
on and drawn tightly from the part over the backbone, a double 
strap, the length of the back, with a strong crupper, should be 
attached. Four or five inches on the off side 
should be fastened, at the front edge of this 
surcingle, a strong two-inch ring. On the 




opposite edge should be attached artother strap 
extending to a ring upon the back strap at the 
hip. A little pad should be fixed to the part 
coming across the back, to prevent bruising or chafing it. 

For the rope rig, procure a three-fourths inch rope, eighteen or 
twenty feet in length. One that has been used enough to render it 
pliable is best. Make a simple loop about three inches long at one 
end, and double the rope about four feet from the loop. Pass over 




Fig. 69.— Simple Rope Rig. 

this double part a three-inch ring made of three-eighths rod. Pleas- 
ure the distance from the tail to where the saddle of the harness 
comes, to which bring the ring and make a simple knot of both 
ropes around it, regulating it to the length of the back as it is 
tightened. Next, put the double part under the tail, twist two or 



5i 



METHODS OF SUBJECTIOX. 



three times, and bring the part with the ring to its place about eight 
inches to the right of the back, with the loop toward the near side. 
While holding it in position, reach under the body, catch the oppo- 





FiG. TO.— Fool Tied Up. 



-Foot-strap 



site end of the rope, bring it through the loop, and draw down to the 
size of the body. Now, while- holding it in place by pressing down 
firmly upon it, make a simple knot in the rope, which forms a button 
and keeps it from slipping out. It is also necessary to protect the 
back and tail by winding the part of the rope coming under the 




Fig. 72. — The Rig as Arranged for Throwing. 



tail, and putting two or three thicknesses of cloth or blanket 
between it and the back. 

Next, put on a strong strap halter with the nose part coming 
well down upon the nose, and draw it up rather close back of the 



tlRST METHOD. 



55 



jaw ; then take a piece of strong cord, made of the very best quality 
of hemp, (that used for the largest-sized war bridle, explained farther 
on, is best,) from five-sixteenths to three-eighths of an inch in 
diameter and about twenty feet in length, tie a hard knot in each 
end, and fasten one end around the rope or surcingle just above the 
ring. Pass the other end from above down over the strap of the 
halter back of the jaw, thence back and down through the. ring 
referred to, until the slack is taken up. Now tie up the near fore 
foot. The best way 
to do this is to pass 
an ordinary hame- 
strap around the foot, 
thence to the belly- 
band, and buckle 
short. 

Though this meth- 
od, when properly car- 
ried out, enables 
throwing a horse on 
even very hard 
ground without bruis- 
ing the knees or other 
parts, still it is very 
important, and adds 
greatly to the ease 
and safety of throw- 
ing, to have good soft 
ground. The best is 
that which is free from stone, with thick, soft sod, as an orchard 
or meadow, a ploughed field, or a place liberally covered with straw 
or manure. Presuming that such a place has been selected, stand 
almost in front of the horse at the right, with a firm hold of the cord 
about seven or eight feet from the shoulder, pull gently, but firmly, 
as shown in Fig. 72. This will draw the head back to the side, 
and the body being thereby thrown out of balance, the horse is forced 
to fall over with a rolling motion on his side. If during the first 
trial he resists, let him have his own way a little while, and when in 
a good position, pull quickly, when he can easily be forced off his 
balance and made to fall over. In cases for which it is adapted, and 
if well done, the hofse will be forced down so easily and naturally 
that nothing is left to be desired. Then he can be thrown as easily 
and just as fast as he can be made to get up. I have frequently been 




Fig. 73. — Turning a Stubborn Horse around before Throwing. 



f)<i 



MI'irilDDS (IF SI' It.l ACTIOS. 



;il)Ic to make nrrvy, .^trf)n^,' li<>rM<s jnnip up ii) this manner as often 
in ten lirnts a minuter, About twelve times is the limit of what such 
a horse will have the ^dura^;e to (,'et up before submitting;, the treat- 
ment beirif.; always most effective when the horse resists it hard by 
Iryinj; to ^,'el up, If a slron^;-wilte<i, lie-adslrrMiK fellow, disposed to 
resist har<l, perhaps bin^;inj; forward, <'1(:., ;is some horses are liable 
to do. l.il.r- ,1 liiiii |i>,ld of ihc eord ,iiid run ,-iround in a circle until 




I'l'. M UmiiiI Pnsilioii ol .1 Horso llml RoslstsSlronnly linforc hnlfid Thrown. 

Ih- i'. iii.i.li In IoIImvv, hcipiiin;; ■.li.idily f.r; illii.tr,ilc.l l)\- I'ii;. 7.'!), 
wJK n '.lii|], pull i|nii l.l\, ,iiid lie i.ui In- ci'.ily 1 ln'ow n <i\<r on his 
side, 

A', soon ,is till- (Old i'. i;i\'cn -.huk, (he- horse will n.n.dU- jiniip 
lip, u lien, by a^iaili pnllin;;, 111' I ,111 lir IJiiown, wliii li i ,in Ix- icpcilcil 
a:, oltcll as he will |;i I up ,\ll( i bcin;; lliidun, '.lioiild lie iiol (ly lo 
rise, anil it is dc.ind to upc,,! Ilw .■!,( i,il ion, sl,ind Ix Iniid liiTn, 
keepini.; Iniiilioldor llic loidwilh I hr l( II li,i nd |oi p. r,il loii, sec 
V\\\. T^j. .111(1 .Ink.- 111.- 1.. Il\ uilli ill,- h.unl ..I I. . lu h ||. duly Willi 
the whip, u lih li u ill im ilc In in |o jmI np ; on tin- in '.1,1111 o| jii., tiy- 
iiii; to <lo so, pull (pii(KI\- upcni till- lord, wliiili will roll liini b.iik 
hclpli sslv npon Ins side. 

II llu horse is r.pciially sensitive upon ihc li< lly, .piartcrs, or 



Fill ST MET IK) I). r.7 

feet, first tfiuch these parts witli .i pole while he is <lown until he 
will submit lo it, tlien with the h.nid, milil tlicre is no inclination to 
resistance, which will be shown by the muscles ijecomin^; entirely 




As Iho Horsn will Usually rail. 



relaxed, and his becoininj^ submissive ; after which he- shouhl be 
allowed to get uj), when the handlin^^ or touching is to I;e again 
repeated carefully until submitted to unconditionally, liut should 
the case resist very hard, and be somewhat diffM nit lo llirow, .after 




Kid. T'i. Type of Sullen Characlnr upon which Ihit Method will Fail. 

getting him down once, simjily roll him b.ick ;ih before; exidained, 
until he gives up, and the effect will be just as good, will he a gre.it 
deal simpler, safer, and often save the horse from any strain 
that may result from rough or careless handling an im|)ort;int 
Doi/it 



58 



METHODS OF SUBJECTIOX. 



Sometimes it is necessary to reverse the treatment, and throw 
the horse on the opposite side, before he will be entirely submissive ; 




Fig. TT. — Position of the Horse wlien Down. 



but after being thrown to the extent of making him lie down sub- 
missively, it will do no good to repeat the treatment. 




Fio. 78. — Rolling the Horse Back when Struggling to Rise. 
But in any case, if the impression produced by the throwing or 
rolling back is not sufficient to break up the horse's confidence and 



FIRi^T METHOD. 



59 




Fig. 79. — As the Horse will Sometimes Roll on his Back. 

prevent a repetition of the habit, whatever it is, the treatment must 
be regarded as not sufficient for the case. For example, if the horse 




Fio. 80.— As the Mustang or Wild Colt is Liable to Resist. 

is a kicker, and persists in kicking after the full extent of the treat- 
ment, it must at once be supplemented b_\- other treatment, until 



60 



METHODS OF SUBJECTIOX. 



there is success ; but if the habit is given up after being thrown 
several times, and he submits unconditionally, it would be good 
treatment, and all, in a general way, that is needed 

On the other hand, if the horse drops, or lies down submissively, 
refusing to get up when touched or handled, it will do no good, and 
should not be tried further. It should not be used upon nervous, 
irritable, unbroken colts, and especially not on those showing a 
wild, sulky, or mustang nature. It should in no case be used on 
mustangs, as they are liable, as soon as the leg is tied up, to lunge. 




Fig. 81. — As the Wild Mustang is Liable to Throw Himself. 



or when pulled upon to throw themselves recklessly or sullenly 
down. For the subjection of such cases, it is not nearly so practi- 
cal, safe, or effective as the other methods, particularly the Second 
Method, as will be found explained under those heads, for the 
reason that it is liable to excite them to the most violent resistance. 
In many cases, the moment a colt finds the leg tied up, it seems to 
frighten him, and he either resists desperately, or throws himself 
recklessly. But if a man is practiced in this, the moment the colt 
springs, pulling quickly against him will usually throw him over 
helplessly on the side ; but if a man is not practiced, such an experi- 
ment had better not be attempted. In the course of my own experi- 
ence, though frequently compelled to make experiments on horses 



SECOND METHOD. 



61 



entirely unsuitable to it, including colts, in the midst of a crowd, in 
\ery bad places, and under very unfavorable circumstances, and 
always feeling apprehensive of more or less danger, I never had an 
accident or seriously injured a horse in making such experiments. 

I think it necessary to state again that 
mustangs should under no circumstances 
be subjected to this treatment. First, it 
will be found very difficult, in fact ex- 
poses to considerable danger, to at- 
tempt putting such a rig on a mustang, 




Fig. 82.— The Horse Subdued. 



as he cannot be approached or touched without kicking or striking 
violentl}-, and when put on he is liable to resist, recklessly jumping 
around, and sometimes throwing himself over back — a cause of spe- 
cial danger. 

The Second Alethod works well upon all these cases, and can be 
resorted to without difficulty. 

SECOND METHOD OF SUBJECTION. 

If one were to turn around rapidly a few times, he would be- 
come dizzy ; were he suddenly to reverse the motion, the effect 
would be so intensified as to cause him to fall down helpless. The 
effect is the same upon a horse, and in the management of a certain 
class gives not only just the advantage needed, but almost unlim- 
ited power in their control. 

I once had an exceptionally vicious horse brought me to experi- 
ment upon before a class. When hitched to a buggy, this horse had 



62 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



been frightened 
to kick and run 
away, tearing 
the buggy to 
pieces. He was 
so desperately 
afraid of a wag- 
on that it was 
utterly impos- 
sible for even 
several men to 
put him in 
shafts, or even 
bring him near 
them. After 
working upon 
him for two 
hours, aided by 

members of the class, and resorting to every device of subjection 
known to me up to that time, my efforts were a complete failure, 
leaving me almost completely exhausted and chagrined at the result. 




Fig. S3 -Method of Tying Halter to the Tail. 




Fig. 84. — Powerful Effect of tlie Treatment Shown by the Horse Staggering to 
the Point of Falling when Quickly Untied. 

Still, I felt bound to succeed ; but " How .' " was the question. At this 
juncture I happened to think that turning around quickly caused me 
extreme dizziness and helplessness. This I had learned years before. 



.S£COyn METHOD. 



63 



I was aware that, in my extremely exhausted condition, it would be 
utterly impossible for me to turn so desperate, strong, and reckless 
a horse around sufficiently to do the least good ; so it was clear 
that I was completely blocked in that way. At this juncture I re- 
membered having once seen a dog in play catch his tail in his mouth 
and run around, when it occurred to me that possibly by tying the 
horse's head to his tail he would turn himself around. It was a for- 
lorn hope, but, trying it, I found to my surprise and delight that he 
went around rapidly, and in a short time fell over, completely dazed 
and helpless. He chanced to be exactly of the right temperament 




Fig. 85. — Position in which the Horse Falls, Confused and Helpless, when Turned too Quickly. 

to be a good subject for this treatment ; and, tying him a little short, 
he went round very quickly, and was consequently one of the best of 
subjects ; but soon recovering from the dizziness he jumped up and 
went around again, with the same result. This he repeated three 
times in succession. (See Fig. 85.) I never witnessed a more des- 
perate, insane struggle to resist restraint. As before explained, he 
was extremely nervous and afraid of being touched ; so as he went 
round I brought the pole against his quarters until he was submis- 
sive to it. 

I could not have been made more happy if I had been given a 
kingdom. It certainly was the best illustration I ever had of the 
value of ingenuity and skill. Here I had worked over two hours, 
until completely exhausted, with the aid of several men, and at that 



64 



METHODS OF Sl'BJECTIOX. 



only making the horse so heated and thoroughly excited as to be 
desperate, and meeting with utter failure. It may be proper to say 
that before this I had used the old method of disabling the fore legs 
and making him lie down, carrying this to the utmost limit of what 
could be done with it, as well as following it up with other treat- 
ment. But now, without making scarcely an effort, there was the 
most complete and satisfactory success. Not only this, but besides 
having avoided all the cruelty and abuse to which I had necessarily 
subjected the horse, I had developed and brought to light one of the 




Fig. 86. — Method of Holding the Strap while Going around with a Doubtful Case. 

most important and valuable secrets yet discovered in the art of 
taming horses. 

This method is wonderfully effective in the subjection of colts 
and vicious horses, especially those of a certain class of tempera- 
ment, and in breaking single balkers. When combined with the other 
treatment, it makes easy and simple the control of horses that it 
would be both difficult and dangerous to subdue without. For ex- 
ample, a wild, dangerous colt, mustang, or vicious mule, which in 
many cases it would be exceedingly difficult and perilous to try to 
confine with straps or other rigging, with the aid of a simple halter 
can in this way be brought under control in a few minutes. Or, if 
in any case this is not sufficient to give the success desired, it will 
always give the required advantage to subject safely to the other 
methods of treatment. This we will call the Second Method of Sub- 
jection. 



SECOND METHOD. 



65 



The conditions to be ob- 
served in its application are 
as follows : — 

First, select a soddy place 
in a field or yard free from 
stones, stumps, or sharp fence 
corners. The place should 
not be too soft, such as a 
deeply-plowed field, barn- 
yard manure, or deep straw. 
Heavy sod with considerable 
grass is the best. 

Second, if there are sharp 
shoes on the feet, they should 
be removed before subjecting 
to this treatment ; to neglect 
this would endanger calking or cutting the feet badly. 

Third, a strap halter should always be used. After catching 




Fig. 87.— As a Cold-blooded, Sullen Colt will Some- 
times Stand Refusing to Turn when Tied. 




Fig. 88. — As the Sulky, Vicious Colt will Usually Kick when Touched. 



the tail, take the strap of the halter between the teeth, so as to give 
freedom to use both hands, and tie the hair of the tail into a knot. 



66 METHODS OF TREATMENT. 

Divide the hair above the knot, pass the strap through, and tie into 
a half-hitch knot. The strap should be drawn just short enough to 
compel the horse to turn fast enough to divert his attention (some- 
thing as in Fig. 83) and make him helpless, but not so short as to 
cause him to fall. The more nervous and excitable the subject, 
the longer the strap must be left at first, and the more sullen or 
cold-blooded the horse, the shorter it may be drawn. If at all 
doubtful as to the length, when the strap is run through the tail, be- 




FiG. 89. — As the Sulky, Vicious Colt is Liable to Throw Himself if Tied too Short. 



fore tying the strap double it in the hand, and go around with him a 
few times, as in Fig. 86, so that the necessary length can be exactly 
ascertained ; then quickly tie into a half-hitch knot, and let go. If 
tied the right length, the horse will keep moving in a circle as de- 
scribed ; but if too short, or forced up to the point of falling, the 
moment he staggers, pull quickly upon the end of the strap, which 
will pull it loose, and tie again the required length. 

Sulky or cold-blooded colts, if tied very short at first, are liable 
to throw the head against the nose-piece of the halter, and if pushed 
are likely to rear up and fall over backward, as shown by Fig. 89. 
This can be easily prevented by holding the strap, as before, up near 
the tail with one hand, as before explained, and the part near the 
head with the other, and going around with him a few times, until 



SECOND METHOD. 



67 



he is slightly dizzy, then tie quickly and let go. Motion toward the 
head while passing, and so continue until he moves steadily. 




Fio. 90. — A Vicious Colt as he will Usually Strike when the Pole is Brought near 
his Nose while Turning. 

Now, take a pole or rake-handle eight or ten feet long and bring 
it gently against the legs or parts of the horse most sensitive, until 
there is complete submission to it. This he is likely at first to re- 
sist by kicking violently, but simply continue until all inclination to 




Fig. 91.— a Vicious Horse as he will Usually Kick when Touched with Pole while Turning. 



68 



METHODS OF SUBJECTIOX. 



resist is overcome, so that after being untied he can be poled in any 
manner, or the feet can be taken up and handled without his show- 
ing the least resistance. Sometimes a young horse or colt will start 
all right, but when tested will not go sufficiently fast to enable his 
control. Under such circumstances, while moving, touch the nose 
lightly with a light buggy whip, and repeat until he is forced to the 
point desired to compel submission. 

I soon learned by experience that by turning one way only, the 
impression upon the brain, after a certain point, diminished in pro- 




FiG. 92. — The First Indication of Submission— Submitting to be Poled. 



portion to the continuance of the turning, and that to maintain the 
effect it was necessary to turn the horse much faster. But even then 
after a certain time it would become inert. To remedy this I was 
induced to reverse the action, by tying in the opposite direction, 
which not only greatly increased the effect, but enabled me to re- 
peat the treatment to any extent desired with entire success. In 
bad cases, the horse should be turned one way up to the point of 
falling, then quickly reverse, at the same time poling, as before 
explained. It is necessary under such circumstances to watch care- 
fully, so as to.be able, at the instant there is an indication of falling, 
to prevent it by quickly pulling the strap loose. The more frequent 
the reversing and the quicker the turning, the better the effect. In 
some cases it may be necessary to repeat it rapidly three, four, five, 
and even six times before it will be successful. To do this well re- 



SECOiVn METIIOL). 



69 



quires care and quickness, 
and the horse should not 
be given freedom to run 
against anything. After 
the horse has submitted 
he should be thoroughly 
poled all over, the feet 
handled, etc., until there 
is entire indifference to it, 
then untied, and the same 
handling repeated. If the 
treatment has been prop- 
erly carried out, there 
should be no difficulty 
at this point in handling 
the feet, poling, mount- 
ing, etc. 

This method of subjec- 
tion is the simplest, the most humane and effective, all things con- 
sidered, that has yet been discovered. It not only diverts the 
horse's brain from acting, but matches his strength so perfectly 
against itself, that without producing the least pain or injury he can 




Fis. 93. — Taking up the Colt's Fool while Tied— 
of the Tests in Determining his Submission. 




Fig. 94. — Method of Testing after being Untied. 

be made almost entirely helpless. It will effect the entire subjec- 
tion and docility of the average of the worst of wild, vicious, un- 
broken colts, no matter how dangerous, in about five to fifteen 
minutes, depending much upon how it is done, so that they can be 
ridden, have the feet handled, or allow anything to come against the 



70 



METHODS OF TREATMENT. 



quarters, etc. (See Fig. 9-i.) It gives, in connection with the war 
bridle, the true key for breaking single balkers. It is singularly well 
adapted for supplementing the other methods and effecting the 
control of extremely vicious horses that have partially or wholly re- 
sisted the other methods. It is the safest and best method of treat- 
ment for cases extremely averse to being ridden, bridled, or having 
the head handled ; also those which have the habit of striking. It is 
specially adapted for the subjection of mustangs. As an illus- 




FiG. 95. — One of the Tests Frequently Given by the Writer in Proving the Effect of the 

Treatment upon a Notably Vicious Case, when Making Experiments 

before his Class. 



tration of this, I have recently had reported to me a number of cases 
in Montana that had resisted all efforts to break them, which were 
easily controlled by persons who had obtained copies of my "Facts 
for Horse Owners," and that so quickly as to be the cause of the 
greatest surprise to them. One case in particular, estimated to be 
about sixteen years old, which had defied every effort to be ridden 
or handled, was controlled so perfectly within a couple of hours as to 
be ridden easily, and a short time afterward was driven in harness 
without difficulty. One was broken in Montana, by a lady, so well 
as to become such a pet to her that she could take it into the house 
with perfect freedom. It will not work well upon kicking, switching 
mares and colts of a slow, cold-blooded, sulky nature. There may 
also occasionally be found horses of a quick, nervous, and decidedly 



THIRD METHOD. 



vicious character, that will at first seem to resist it or fall down too 
quickly. Upon such the Third Method should be used for a short 
time, to tone down their impetuousness, after which they will usu- 
ally submit to this method without difficulty. 

Though compelled almost daily to subject all kinds of horses 
to this treatment in small barns and other unsuitable places, and 
surrounded by a crowd of men, by being careful I never had a seri- 
ous accident occur. Of course, in a field or open yard the danger 
would be immeasurably diminished. Still, I think it my duty to 
advise the greatest care to prevent accident, as it would be very 
easy to injure if not to kill a horse, if at all careless or reckless 
with a certain class. By going slowly at first and following up 
cautiously, there can seldom be an accident. 

THIRD METHOD OF SUBJECTION. 

It is well known that by hitting a horse at a certain point back 
of the ear, it is easy to knock him down ; also, if a horse were to 
throw himself over backward and 
strike this part on a hub or stone, 
he is very liable to be instantly 
killed. At the front part of the 
atlas bone, or the first of the cer- 
vical vertebrae, where it articu 
lates into the occipital bone or 
back of the head, about an inch 
of the spinal cord is not covered 
with bone. If a knife or other 
sharp instrument were driven 
down at this point sufficient to 
penetrate it, it would cause in- 
stant death. Now, by bringing 
gentle but firm pressure upon 
this part, we have, if properly 
used, a very powerful and val- 
uable method of subjection, and 
one which is singularly adapted, when necessary, to supplement 
the other methods of treatment. It is, however, like the other 
methods, especially adapted for a certain class of disposition and 
habit, not unfrequently making it easy to subdue horses upon which 
the other methods have failed, such as nervous-tempered, cour- 
ageous, strong, wild horses that will not bear excitement or any 
form of treatment that would permit heating the blood. It is. 




Fig. 96, 



-Method of Applying the Cord to Put 
on Pressure. 



72 



METHODS OF SUBJECTIOX 




however, a method of treatment that should be used with great 
care and judgment. It is easy, of course, to apply this form of press- 
ure, but the point is to use it on cases for which it is suited, and 
adapted properly to enforce their submission. Not enough pressure, 
or applying it carelessly, would cause failure, while too much or too 
long-continued pressure would not only be needlessly cruel, but 

dangerous to life. 

I found by experience 
that pulling sharply upon 
a horse with the second 
form of war bridle, which 
brings the main force of the 
pull upon this point, would 
often so unnerve and break 
up his confidence, that, 
though previously he could 
not be touched around the 
feet or body, he would now 
submit to such handling 
with entire docility ; and 
that putting the center of a 
cord under the bridle so as 
to rest upon this point, and 
bringing both ends through the rings of the bit, and carrying back 
for reins, would usually make a pulling horse drive submissively, in 
a short time, to a slack rein. I was not, however, led to make any 
special effort to study out the key to this principle of subjection, 
until, in a chance way, I heard of a man who, in breaking colts, 
brought a cord moderately tight two or three times around the 
head. This, with the remembrance of the effects before referred 
to, led me to experiment carefully with a cord in this way. But, 
finding it gave but little more advantage than the common war bridle, 
I abandoned its use. 

At this time I carried canvas, visiting only large centers, which 
gave me all the opportunity I wished for using the First and Second 
Methods, and I rarely found a horse that would not submit to these 
methods of treatment. One day, however, a vicious, kicking mare 
was brought in that resisted the utmost resources of my regular 
treatment ; for, once warming up in harness, she would kick, in spite 
of all that could be done, in the most desperate manner. The ex- 
tremity in which I was placed led me instinctively to try what could 
be done with this treatment by carrying it to the utmost limit, and. 



Fig. 97.— Holding Cord when Through the Mouth. 



THIRD METHOD. 



73 



without stopping to reason upon the matter, I kept on not only 
winding the cord, but drawing it pretty tight, until I used nearly 
one hundred feet of hard, well-stretched war bridle cord. I now let 
her stand about eight or ten minutes, when, upon trial, she seemed 
to be entirely submissive, after which I put her in harness, and she 
drove entirely gentle. Not being sure what the ultimate result 
would be, either as to her remaining gentle or not causing injury to 
her, I told the owner that if she proved to be injured in any way to 
report to me, and I would satisfy him for any damage. 
Two weeks later, he informed me that she had re- 
mained entirely gentle, and was all right. 

I was now led, as opportunity permitted, to ex- 
periment carefully, so as to learn the conditions of 
carrying out this treatment with most success, and 
its exact effect upon different classes of cases. I 
found that for ordinary cases the average of three- 
war bridle cords, of about eighteen feet, each drawn 
so as to give a moderate pressure, that is, a pulling 
tension of about four or five pounds, (in some cases a 
little more would be necessary,) and the time of press- 
ure from five to eight or ten minutes, according tn 
the case ; and that in some exceptionally bad cases 
one or two extra cords would be required, and the 
time of its continuance somewhat longer ; in ver\- 
extreme cases from fifteen to twenty minutes. 

I did not give this method of treatment to classes, 
but held it as a reserve until after my experiments 
in New York in 1872. 




Fig. OS— Cord 
when On. 



Method of Applying it — Special Points of Importance. 

The simplest and best way of applying this method of treat- 
ment is as follows : Take a small, firmly wound, smooth hemp 
cord, about five-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, that has been 
well stretched, and about eighteen feet long, such as we use for the 
small size of war bridle.* Tie a hard knot at one end and a loose 
tie or knot about eighteen or twenty inches from this end, bring 
arouTid the neck, and slip the end knot through the loose tie as for 
the first form of war bridle ; stand a little in front, and at the left 
of the head ; bring the cord through the mouth, and pass it over the 



* Finding it difficult to get a cord of tlie proper size, strength, and smoothness, I have it 
manufactured especially for this purpose, and supply it to subscribers at closest rates. 



n 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 




Pio. 0(1 Touching the Horse's Quarters 
with Polo while Ihc Cord is On. 



head where the halter rests, pulling' douii L^cntl)- ; tlicncc through 
the mouth again, and hold firmlj- with llu- left hand, while the right 

is again passed over the head and 
pulled down as before. (See Figs. 
90 and 97.) And so repeat to the 
end of the cord, winding for the first 
three or four turns rather loosely, 
then gradually, with each repetition, 
pull a little tighter. Always use 
care to bring it over the tongue, so 
as not to tangle or bruise it. 

Now take another cord and tie 
to the first one, so that when pulled 
down the knot will come on either 
side of the luad, hut not at the top 
or in tile mmitli. Draw this cord 
as tightly as thought necessary for the case, and continue to wind 
until three cords are used, according to the degree of resistance to 
be controlled. Fasten carefully by bringing the end under the 
other coils, and tie it so that it will not slip or get loose. 

The principle involved is that the greater the strength of will and 
power of resistance on the part of the horse, the more cord must be 
used, the tighter it must be drawn, and the longer it must be left on. 
The average time it should be kept on is from si.x to ten minutes 
In no case of even extreme 
resistance should it be left on 
longer than from twenty to 
twenty-five minutes. Unless 
in a small place, where there 
is not sufficient room to run 
around, attach a strap or cord 
to two or three of those around 
the head and hold by it, or lie 
to a hitching post. 

The success of the lrc.it- 
ment will now depend upon 
what is done after it is ap- 
plied, as it will jjractically 
do no good to put on pressure and do nothing more ; that is, the 
efforts must now be directed industriously to combat and overcome 
the resistance, whatever it is, until there is submission. For ex- 




Fic.. 100. — Manner in which Some Horses Kick 
when Touched with Pole. 



THIRD METHOD. 



75 




101.— Manner in which a Vicious Horse 
will Kick when Touched with Pole. 



ample, if a kicker in harness, while the pressure is on take a small 
pole or rake-stale and brinjj against the legs and quarters, as shown 
in Figs. 99 to 102. If the case 
is very vicious, this will usually 
be resisted very hard, the horse 
kicking violently. This is not to 
be accepted as a cause for discour- 
agement or fear of failure, as in 
reality all the best subjects for 
this treatment resist hard at first. 
Simply continue the poling gently 
until there is entire submission to 
it. Sometimes a horse may submit 
in five minutes ; if he does, simply 
uncoil the rope to the last three or ^'m 
four winds, and hold so while the 
pole is again applied to the quarters. 

If there is no resistance, unwind and turn the last cord into the first 
form of war bridle, and while holding it test again carefully. 

This is about the course required with the average of good tem- 
pered, sensitive horses that have learned to kick. If, however, the 
case is one of plucky, determined character, that resists violently 
after a reasonable effort, without there being any indication of sub- 
mitting, the best course will be to draw the cord a little tighter. In 
some extreme cases one or two extra cords may be added. A horse 

of decided courage and deter- 
mination will usually not only 
resist very hard at first, as 
stated, but the eyes will fairly 
snap with fury. If, however, 
the cord is put on properly, and 
the poling applied gently and 
persistently, it is rare that it 
will not be submitted to in from 
five to eight minutes. 

When there is submission, 
the most prominent signs will 
be submitting to the pole, the 
ears dropping a little, the eyes 
softened in expression, with a 
slight indication of panting. There is also, in some cases, profuse 
sweating, which is always a favorable indication. One of the nice 




Pio. 102.— Submitting to the Pole alter 
being Subdued. 



76 



METHODS OF TREATMENT. 




1U3. — Manner in which Some Extremely Vicious Horses will 
Resist when Subjected to Pressure. 



points of success is to force to the point of submission quickly, and 
as soon as made, as quickly removing pressure, but continue the 
poling as before explained, until after entire freedom. The result 

will usually be 
very remarkable, 
a horse that had 
perhaps been one 
of the most de- 
termined and vi- 
olent of fighters 
becoming as do- 
cile and gentle in 
appearance as if 
he had been al- 
ways so. 

While being 
subjected to this 
treatment, the 
central point of 
observation 
should be the 

eye. So long as there is fire in it, and the ears are thrown back, no 
matter whether the horse kicks or not, it is an evidence that he is 
fighting hard, and the pressure must be kept on. On the contrary, 
when there is a general ceasing of resistance, the eye is softened 
in its expression as if go- 
ing to sleep, breathing 
accelerated, panting a 
little, and especially if 
there is rapid sweating, 
it is sure evidence of 
unconditional submis- 
sion. No matter if these 
indications are shown 
in even two or three 
minutes, the result will 
be just as effective as if 
it had been left on ten. 
In fact, as soon as these 

indications are shown, Fig. 104.— As Some Desperately Vicious Horses will 

the cord must be taken Throw Themselves when Subjected to Pressure. 




THIRD METHOD. 



77 



off at once. To keep on pressure any longer would not only be 
entirely unnecessary, but abusive. 

The treatment should now be carried out for driving, as directed 
for kicking and other habits, under those heads. 

If bad to shoe, while the pressure is on attach a rope or strap 
to the foot, and pull back and forward as in Fig. 108 until the toe 
rests upon the ground, and there is submission. The cord should 
then be immediately taken off the head, as before explained, and 
turned into the war bridle, when the leg is to be repeated!}' tested. 




Fig. 10.5. — The Horse as he Stands when Subdued. 



As stated before, all good subjects for this treatment will resist hard 
at first, and make a determined fight, but when they do give up, 
will be found entirely manageable ; while those that do not resist 
when touched while the pressure is on, are, as a rule, not good 
subjects for it. 

This method of subjection reveals the horse's character exactly, 
whatever it is. If one of great courage and spirit, he will usually, 
while under pressure, fight at first with great fury, but finally sub- 
mit unconditionally ; but if of a sulky, treacherous nature, while the 
pressure is on he will often stand sullenly, doing nothing. In such 
cases the Second Method must be depended upon, in connection 
with the others. 

The success with which some kickers can be subdued and 
broken of the habit by this method, will often be most remarkable. It 
is especially adapted to the subjection of courageous, determined, 



78 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 




Fig. 106.— Mouth as Usually Kept 
Open wlien Cord is on. 



sensitive horses, that will not bear excitement or heating of the 
blood. It also works well upon biting, striking, vicious stallions, 
especially when used in connection with 
the other methods. It works extremely 
well upon mules, seldom requiring more 
than ten minutes to subdue even those of 
the worst character. 

Cases upon which it will not work well, 
and for which it should not be used, are 
young, unbroken colts, sullen or cold- 
blooded horses of any character, and, once 
in awhile, a class of high-strung, sensitive 
horses of great courage and endurance, 
that become excited, strike, and resist 
hard. Such cases are, however, somewhat 
rare. It is not adapted for balkers ; if it 
must be used upon such, let it be after subjecting to the First 
or Second Methods, or both, and then but for a few minutes. 
The reason this method should not be used upon colts, is that they 
will in the first place usually resist any attempt to put on the 
cord, or bite and chew upon it to a 
degree that will bruise or cut the cheeks, 
which is very troublesome to treat.* 
(See Fig. 107.) Besides, colts can be 
controlled so much easier and better 
by the Second Method, that there is no 
necessity for using this upon them. 

There will occasionally be found an 
old horse that will bite upon the cord 
like colts. In all such cases the treat- 
ment must at once be abandoned, and 
dependence placed upon other methods. 
Those that cut or bruise the cheeks are 
usually of a surly, obstinate nature, the 
sullen disposition being prominent, which 
will usually be denoted by the small, clear eye, set well back on 
the side of the head, eyebrows rather heavy, fullness below the 
eye, long between the eyes and ears, ears rather long and heavy, 
and small nostrils. In a very extensive practice of many years, 
I found no practical means of preventing horses' biting in this way. 




Fig. 1117. — Appearance of Moutli 
when Biting upon the Cord. 



*For special treatment for such pissiblc bruising of cheeks, see Bruises of Cheek. 



THIRD METHOD. 



7* 



so that when we had such cases we found it to be the best course to 
abandon it at once. 

This method of subjection is so arbitrary, and in ignorant hands 
can be so easily made the basis of injury and abuse, that for a long" 
time I have been very reluctant to give It to my classes, or publish 
it, fearing they would misuse its advantage ; but with anything like 
ordinary care, it is not at all difficult to determine the cases for 
which it is suitable, and to avoid needless abuse by it. It is always 
advisable, before applying this treatment as well as in the applica- 
tion of other methods of treatment, to look the horse carefully over 
in a general way. Then, if not sure of the character test a little to 
be able to determine it with accuracy. 




Fig. 108.— Pulling the Fool Back— Bad to Shoe. 



If a nervous, excitable, coltish-acting fellow, that has perhaps 
been seriously frightened in consequence of carelessness or accident, 
the Second Method may first be used. Should this fail, or not pro- 
duce satisfactory results, then this method may be tried. To make 
its application plainer, first bring the cord through the mouth once 
and pull down rather tight. Should this be submitted to, it is safe 
to proceed. But if the horse strikes violently, or resists, showing a 
disposition to bite upon the cord, especially after two or three coils 
have been used, it had better be abandoned and other treatment 
used. Or, if it is desired to subject the horse to the First Method 
first, and the cord cannot be put on with safety, subject to the Sec- 
ond Method for a few moments, then resort to the first, after which, 
the impression can be fixed by this. 



80 



METHODS OF SUBJECTIOX. 




Fig. 109— Pulling Head of a Vicious Horse around to 
Avoid his Fore Feet should he Strike, and Observ- 
ing that theCord Comes Right in the Mouth. 



The First Method can- 
not be repeated with 
much assurance of suc- 
cess. If the horse will not 
get up after being thrown, 
},'ou will hav'e accom- 
plished all that you can 
b\- this treatment. Also 
the Third Method will, as 
a rule, prove a success or 
failure after the first trial. 
It cannot be repeated 
with success, and should 
not be tried. Whatever 
is attempted by this meth- 
od must be done at the 
first trial. But if the horse 
will bear it, this trial can 
be carried to a considera- 
ble extreme of pressure, and be continued for some time, though it 
should not exceed twenty-five minutes, except in very extreme 
cases. One horse, of a certain temperament and character, may be 
able to stand pressure for 
fifteen minutes as well as 
another especially sensi- 
tive horse, perhaps, would 
the same only two or 
three or four minutes. So 
that each case must reg- 
ulate just the extent and 
amount of pressure need- 
ed. These points I have 
learned by experimenting 
for a good many years on 
a great variety of horses. 
I would repeat, that the 
point is to make all the 
impression possible with 
it when used, and then, if there is failure, resort to other methods. 




Ill) —Looking at the Opposite Side to See that 
the Cord Comes Right, and Determining the 
Amount of Pressure Necessary. 



WAR BKWLE— FIRST FORM. 



81 



THE WAR BRIDLE. 

First Form. 

I will take up, next, a means of management so simple, yet so 
practical and valuable in its effects, that it is in some respects indis- 
pensable, because it gives us in certain ways a degree of control not 
attainable by any other means. 
Certainly, for so simple a means, 
when skillfully used, it has a won- 
derful effect. It would not seem 
possible, until witnessed, that an 
ordinary unbroken colt or stubborn 
horse, entireJy unbroken to lead, 
could be taught in a few min- 
utes to follow around anywhere, 
without the least restraint, even 
watching a man, turning and fol- 
lowing him in any manner, like a 
trained dog. If a horse is restless 
and will not submit to have the 
harness put on, resists being bridled, 
cleaned, or curried, restless in shoe- 
ing, or being a little nervous when 
ordinary objects of fear are brought 
around him, etc., this gives almost 
immediate control, in addition to 
being the foundation for other im- 
portant management. 

Then, it can be modified in a variety of ways to increase its 
power, so as to show such a degree of restraint upon certain classes 
of viciousness as to appear most startling. But while it may fre- 
quently enable the accomplishment of what may seem very remark- 
able results, it cannot in reality be accepted as more than subordi- 
nate or supplementary to the other methods. It will be all that is 
needed in controlling and making gentle all ordinary colts. It is the 
best of all means for teaching a colt or horse to lead or follow by 
the halter. In fact, eight tenths of all ordinary cases, with a little 
care and patience, could be controlled easily by this simple method 
of treatment alone. It was by this means that I was led to advertise 
with confidence to be able to control any unmanageable, headstrong 
stallion so successfully that within ten minutes I could lead him out 
to a horse or mare and stand off eight or ten feet and call him to me 




Fig. 111.— First Form of War Bridle. 



82 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 




Fig. 113.— First Form of War Bridle. 



by word of com- 
mand only ; and yet 
simple as this meth- 
od may seem, it 
took me fully fif- 
teen years to catch 
the full points of 
its value. 

Details of its 
Application. 

First, concerning 
the quality of cord, 
and its length. It 
is very important 
to have the best 
possible quality of 
fiber, and size about 
right. The point is to have the cord as small as possible, yet suf- 
ficiently strong to give assurance of its not breaking under the most 
severe strain to which it can be subjected. I have found the best to 
be that made from the very best quality.of long-fiber Missouri hemp, 
wound very hard, yet in such a way as to be as flexible as possible. 
I used the same cord for the War Bridle that I did for the Third 
Method of Subjection, and found it necessary to have it made spe- 
cially for this purpose, as I could not find any in the market suffi- 
ciently fine and strong 
to be suitable. The size 
should be from five six- 
teenths to three eighths 
of an inch plump in di- 
ameter, and in length 
from fifteen to twenty- 
two feet. The average 
length used by me was 
from eighteen to twenty 
feet. We cut them this 
length, or divided a roll into four parts, and then we used them 
as required for either purpose. 

For the simplest form of War Bridie, take such a piece of cord, 
tie each end in a hard knot, and make another knot or loop about 
twenty inches from one end ; bring this end around the horse's neck. 



Fig. 113— Smallest Size of Cord Used- 
teenths of an Inch in Diameter. 



-Five six- 




Largest Size of Cord Used -Tliree eighths 
of an Inch in Diameter. 



jvah bridle— first form. 



83 



and pass it through the loose knot or loop, regulating the size of the 
loop to that of the neck. Next, catch the end hanging down, and 
pass between the cord and neck, forming a loop with the free end 
on the near side. Pass the loop this forms through the mouth, or 
over the lower jaw, as shown in Fig. 112. This we will term the 
First Form of War Bridle. 

This, it will be noticed, gives considerable pulley power side- 
ways and back upon the mouth. The method of using it is as fol- 
k)ws : — 

Stand opposite the shoulder, about four or five feet away from 
the head, and give a sharp, quick pull or jerk, when instantly give 
slack, using more or less force, according to the amount of resistance 
to be overcome. This will be 
found to give great power, 
being sufficient, unless the 
horse is very heavy and slow, 
to pull him around easily, 
when by repeating a few times 
he will come around freely 
without being pulled upon. 
Now, go to the opposite side 
and repeat the pulling until 
he will come around in the 
same manner. The force of 
the pull must necessarily be 
regulated to the resistance of 
the horse, a quick, nervous 

horse requiring but two or three light pulls to bring him off his 
feet and make him follow around freely ; whereas a dull, stub- 
born, or slow horse may be required to be pulled upon with a good 
deal of force, and the pulling repeated quite a number of times 
to produce the same effect. 

After doing this, by stepping sideways and ahead, the horse will 
follow promptly, in circles, right or left ; then gradually enlarge your 
circle, until you go straight ahead, and he will follow freely. But 
should he be a little slow, or not follow promptly as desired, simply 
repeat the pulling a few times as before, when he will follow freely 
in any manner, though the cord be thrown over the back, and will 
afterward do so equally well with the control of a common halter. 

It will be noticed that this form only gives power sideways. 
If you were to go in front of the head and pull forward, it would 
only throw the head up and back, in fact making the horse resist 




Fig. 115.— Double-Draw Hitch. 



84 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



following, and expose your weakness to him. When we want power 
to bring the horse straight ahead, should it be necessary, simply 
change to the Second Form, as shown 
in Fig. 117, when by pulling a few times 
he will be made to come ahead as 
freely as before sideways. 

The next step, naturally, is to handle 
the horse around the shoulders, hips, 
and legs. If this is done carefully and 
gently, as directed under that head in 
Colt-Training, there will not often be 
much resistance. But should there be, 
and this means not be sufficient to 
overcome it, for this or other minor 
troubles recourse may be had to the 
regular treatment laid down for such 
resistance. 




Fig. 116. — Second Form of 
War Bridle. 



Second For.m of War Bridle. 



Take off the cord as now on, and make a single loose knot or 
loop about a foot from the end. Put the end knot through the loose 
knot or loop, and draw sufficiently tight to prevent its slipping out. 
The loop thus formed should be only just large enough to go over 
the lower jaw, because the larger the loop the less power will be ob- 
tained. Next pass the 
cord from the off side 
over the head where the 
halter rests, and down 
through this loop back of 
the jaw, until the slack 
is taken up as shown 
in Figs. 116 and 117. 

Now, step a little side- 
ways and ahead, and pull 
gently, holding the cord 
taut, and you will find 
that you have reversed 
the previous order of 
working by its giving 
you power to bring the 
horse straight ahead. 
Now, give a sharj) pull 




-Second Form of War Bridle as it 
Should be Adjusted. 



WAE BlUDLE—SECOXD FORM. 



85 



as before, when you will find that you will be able to pull the 
horse right to you ; but if you do not the first time, you can at 
farthest after a few repetitions. A quick, nervous horse may jump 
right to you on the first pull, and will follow in the most prompt 
manner afterward, while one of a slow and sullen nature may resist 
quite hard for a while, but will always yield in time. 

As a means of breaking horses that lag when handled or pulled 
upon by the halter, or refuse to lead to any point, as, for example, 
through a door (a common habit), this form of the War Bridle will 
be found to be by far the best means of management, and becomes 
the foundation of 
success in the 
breaking of double 
balkers, as shown 
under that head, 
making it a very 
easy matter now to 
control such cases. 
I would call par- 
ticular attention to 
the fact that the 
cord must be put 
just at the point on 
the head, back of 
the ears, where the 
halter or bridle 
rests. If by chance 
it should be placed 
three or four or more inches back, as shown in Fig. 118, the secret of 
its power will be lost. 

Putting this part over the head about half way back on the 
neck, drawing down tightly with the hand, or tying moderately 
tight, as shown in Fig. 119, will be found all that will be required in 
the control of all ordinary cases bad to bridle, handle top of head, 
harness, etc. If tied down, it should not be kept so at longest more 
than a minute or two. 

The Double-Draw Hitch Form. 

This gives nearly three times the power of the ordinary forms 

of the War Bridle. It can be changed or modified in two or three 

ways, as may be necessary, and is a very practical and valuable 

means of control. I may mention here, that this has been the prin- 




lis. — Cord too far Back on the Neck, witti Loop on ttie 
Lower Jaw too Large. Will not Work. 



86 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



cipal secret (for in difficult cases I could not succeed without it) of 
performing the apparently impossible feat of being able within ten 
minutes to control so easily any headstrong or lunging stallion, 
when great power is required, as before referred to. 

First, put on a cord as 
for First Form of War 
Bridle ; but instead of 
bringing the cord down 
through the loop, bring 
it from below up ; then 
pass it over the head 
and back through the 
mouth, thence through 
the loop this forms on 
the near side. (See Fig. 
115.) If desired, this can 
be modified so as to 
give still greater power 
by bringing the cord 
across under the upper 
lip-, instead of through 
the mouth, or by making 
another loop over the 
head in the same man- 




Fk;. 119.— Method of Tying Down to Make Horse Submit 
to be Harnessed, liave his Head Handled, etc. 



ner, and by bringing it under the upper lip. 

By experimenting a little with this, it will be found to increase 
the power wonderfully. A horse so stubborn and sullen that he can 
hardly be moved or seem to be in- 
fluenced by the First Form, can be 
lifted almost bodily out of his tracks 
by this, giving all the power neces- 
sary for making such a horse follow in 
a few moments. Where a horse is 
restless, or somewhat unmanageable, 
such as resisting the feet being taken 
up, having a blanket thrown over 
him, the head handled, etc., he can 
sometimes be made to submit readily 
by bringing the cord, after the First 
Form is adjusted, forward under the 
upper lip and right around over the head, and through the mouth, 
and holding moderately tight. But it should not be held so more 




Fig. liO. — Manner of Tying. 



WAR BRIDLE— SECOND FORM. 



87 



than a minute. Should it be resisted very much, it will be better to 
resort to regular coercive treatment. 

There is quite a secret in using the War Bridle. It is, first, in 
getting the right position and distance from a horse ; second, the 
method of pulling, which is the point here to be explained. Wind 
the cord once around the right hand, not very tight, while it is 
passed through the left a little in advance of the right. And now 
for the secret : it is giving a sharp, quick jerk with both hands, like 
the cracking of a whip ; not a long, heavy, dead pull, mind, but a 
quick little jerk, as it 
were, and instantly 
slack. You will, of 
course, place one leg 
a little forward of the 
other to give pur- 
chase ; the rest must 
be done by the force 
of the arms only. I 
have frequently been 
able to illustrate this 
by jerking heavy 
horses around freely 
by pulling upon the 
cord lightly but 
quickly with my 
naked hands, with- 
out the least injury 

to them ; while strong, heavy men, though pulling quite hard in a 
slow, indifferent way, could scarcely move them, and at that bruise 
their hands quite seriously. 

I may say that in hundreds and hundreds of cases, men who had 
joined my classes and to whom had been shown and explained every 
point of its application, and had its effect illustrated to them, would 
often catch the points only so crudely or imperfectly that they 
would follow me fifteen or twenty miles to attend another class and 
have them again explained to them. This is one of my reasons for 
being so explicit in giving such full details of this principle of man- 
agement, and which must necessarily be frequently referred to in 
connection with other methods of treatment. 

I am just in receipt of a letter from a gentleman in California, 
who, in relating his success in breaking mustangs, after stating that 
he had broken mustangs easily that had been given up by others. 




Fig. 121. — Modification of Second Form. 



88 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 

said he had made a wager that he could make a sixteen-year-old 
m'ustang that had not been touched for three years, follow him in 
thirty minutes, and that he did it so well in seven that it would 
follow him anywhere and thereby astonished those who knew the 
mustang. And this he did with the War Bridle. 

The simplicity of this form of control makes it very difficult to 
realize its real value ; neither is it too much to say that it requires 
considerable practical skill to bring out its full power. 

If limited to the various forms of the War and Patent Bridles, 
there should be no real difficulty in being able to control certainly 
more than half of the average colts and vicious horses in the 
country. 

"W," OR Breaking Bit — Training the Mouth. 

Whatever we do with the horse, however successful our treat- 
ment, we must ultimately come to the control of the mouth ; and if 
not successful in this, no matter how good our treatment otherwise, 




Fig. 122.— ■' W," or Breaking Bit. Half Size. 

it must necessarily be regarded as seriously defective. This matter 
of getting good control of the mouth, simple as it may seem, both- 
ered me more to catch the points of doing successfully, than any 
other treatment here referred to. And it is naturally one of the most 
difficult points for horse men to contend with successfully. This is 
usually sought to be done by bitting, that is, putting on a bitting- 
rig, checking the head up, and letting the colt fight it until he gives 
up, and in the management of runaways, depending wholly upon 
such bits as will give direct power. The difficulty is that while the 
horse may be controlled in this way, the disposition to continue the 
habit is not overcome, which is the real point important to accom- 
plish. Then, in many extreme cases, the resistance may be so great 
that it is not possible by any means heretofore in use to hold the 
horse. 

It must be borne in mind that this method (bitting) brings dead 
pressure only upon the mouth, and necessarily cannot teach the idea 



" ir," OR BREAKING BIT. 89 

(which is the real point to be attained) of submitting the head up 
and back to the easy and flexible restraint of the bit, and give assur- 
ance of having the horse entirely submissive to easy restraint of the 
bit under any possible impulse of excitement. 

The common methods of treatment are defective in various 
ways, and are the direct causes of the many accidents and cases of 
trouble experienced in the use of driving horses. The colt is simply 
subjected a short time to a bitting-rig ; there is, perhaps, success in 
driving him double, or putting him before the plow with another 
horse, until gentle. It is a matter purely experimental, also, of 
being hitched up single. If the colt is exceptionally intelligent 
and good-tempered, by using extreme care there is perhaps success 
in hitching him to a buggy. Now, if he moves off and finally drives 
ordinarily well, he is presumed to be a gentle, broken horse. In- 
deed, there would seem to be no other reasonable course of manage- 
ment. This is the fatal error, and the prime cause of our trouble. 
To explain this, we will presume now to make an experiment or two. 
The horse appears to be entirely gentle and manageable, and so he 
is, as far as he has been trained. But let the rein be caught sud- 
denly under the tail, let one of the traces get loose, the breeching- 
strap break, or some other derangement, in itself trifling, occur, and 
the colt is startled, frightened, kicks by impulse, or springs ahead, to 
free himself from the supposed danger. There is no assured control 
by the bit ; he has never been made to feel it ; the consequence is, 
he rushes against it, runs away, and the horse is spoiled. And this is 
about the history of nearly all runaway kickers, with their incidental 
troubles. These were the horses I was almost constantly required 
to experiment upon before my classes. And it always became a 
matter of the greatest surprise to the best horsemen witnessing my 
experiments, to see with what success I could drive such in a short 
time, under the greatest excitement, entirely gentle, submitting 
freely to what before would have made them kick and run away. 
The secret of course was that I went to work first to remove the 
cause in the most direct manner, thereby making the foundation for 
greatly lessening the resistance to the bit. For example, if kicking 
was the cause of the indirect resistance, the first point I aimed at 
was to overcome that, then to go directly to the control of the 
mouth until successful. 

Now, these points were what a long course of, I may say, very 
ignorant and often blind experimenting forced me to learn. I was 
soon compelled from necessity, as stated, first to make the horse in 
a general way perfectly gentle, and then come directly to the point 



90 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 

of resistance, whatever it was. Then, another point I learned was 
that making one part of the body gentle is no assurance that the 
other will be so. For example, making the forward part gentle, would 
not make the hind part so ; that I could make one foot submissive to 
be shod, and yet leave the other foot as difficult to handle and control 
as ever ; that making a horse fearless of a handkerchief when brought 
around his head or in front of him, no matter how indifferent to 
it he became, if thrown from behind, under his belly, upon his hips, 
or behind him, would be as likely to frighten him as if he had not 
seen it before. 

In a hundred ways these little points could be shown, and are 
fully explained in details of treatment under special heads. But 
because these conditions are not understood, or those requisite for 
overcoming them are not known or understood, these troubles 
necessarily follow. Now, in no respect is this more strongly shown 
than in the management of the mouth. By experimenting a little 
upon a variety of horses with the War Bridle in teaching to lead, it 
will be found that a horse will sometimes at first resist with such 
persistence that the united strength of several men would not be 
sufficient to make him lead ; yet, by repeating, as explained, the 
short little pulls in such way as he is the least able to resist, the 
horse will in all cases soon learn to follow in any manner, even run- 
ning after the trainer, without being pulled upon or perhaps without 
the use of the halter at all ; and he will do this ever afterward. 

Now, the principle is exactly the same in obtaining such control 
of the mouth as will enable securing unconditional submission to the 
slightest restraint of the bit, — a point that took me at least twelve 
years of the closest observation and practice to catch the idea of 
intelligently, and even up to the time of leaving the road I was con- 
stantly learning new points of advantage in this respect. The 
results I would sometimes be able to bring about in doing this were 
really striking, in many cases truly wonderful. Though a digres- 
sion,! will refer to a few illustrative cases in point. 

A runaway horse, eight years old, the last time hitched up, 
jumped over a toll-gate, ran away, had not been driven for over a 
year afterward, and was regarded utterly unmanageable. After 
thirty minutes' treatment he was driven down a steep hill to a 
buggy, without breeching, the wagon running against his heels, 
guided by a six-year-old boy who sat near me on the seat ; and the 
horse remained gentle afterwards. 

A strong, large-boned Western horse, in New York City, nine 
years old, was sold for $275, on condition that he could be driven to 



" IT," OR BREAKIXG BIT. 91 

a cart. He was hitched up to a heavy dump-cart, with both wheels 
blocked, two men held him by the head, and two in the cart held 
the reins. He resisted all restraint, and ran away, and was pur- 
chased for fifty dollars. This horse, though utterly unmanageable, 
was controlled so perfectly within an hour, that the slightest re- 
straint of the reins was sufficient to guide and control him under any 
excitement, in driving to a single buggy ; and this without breech- 
ing, the cross-piece coming against the quarters. 

A five-year-old colt, in Toledo, Ohio, a runaway, and so des- 
perate that thfe only way he could be held in harness with success 
was to hitch him between two heavy horses, tied back to them by 
the head, — this horse, in less than an hour's time, was made entirely 
manageable, was driven next day through the principal streets per- 
fectly gentle without breeching, and remained so. 

In Cleveland, Ohio, a trotting-horse that had defied with such 
determination every effort to be controlled in single harness as to 
be regarded as practically worthless, submitted perfectly within an 
hour, and as a special feat, in the meantime having the treatment 
repeated, in addition to being trained, was driven next day on the 
square without reins or breeching, by the control of the whip only. 

These cases, with others equally striking that could be referred 
to did space permit, were thus made manageable to the control of 
the bit by training the mouth with the " W," or Breaking Bit. The 
full details of these cases, with thirty-six others, are given in my special 
work on the horse, under the heading, "Illustrative Cases," the better 
to illustrate there the treatment to be pursued in the management 
of such cases. These results, so far as training the mouth, I could 
accomplish with a greater or less degree of success, and with differ- 
ent kinds of bits ; but found the "W," or Breaking Bit, here given, 
the simplest and best. 

It is not a bit for driving, though it may in some cases be used 
as such. The secret of its success is not so much in the bit as in the 
manner of using it, which in principle is practically the same as that 
given for the War Bridle. As explained in the use of the cord, 
there may be at first the most determined resistance to it ; but by 
repetition of the treatment the horse will in a short time not only 
cease resisting, but will follow anywhere. The impression made in 
this way is never forgotten, the horse afterward leading by the 
merest restraint of the halter. 

In the same manner, when there is at first an effort with this bit 
to control or force the submission of a headstrong horse, there may 
be the most desperate resistance to it : but by repetition of the 



92 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 

treatment, sometimes requiring considerable perseverance, there will 
in a short time be such complete submission to it that the horse can 
be held or controlled afterward, even under the greatest excitement, 
by the lightest restraint of an ordinary bit. This principle of train- 
ing is also illustrated in "Halter-Pulling," and in fact in every step 
of subjective treatment. 

The length of the bit should be regulated to the size of the 
mouth, so that when pulled upon, the bars will come at right angles 
with the jaw on each side. The average length is eight and three 
fourths inches from center to center of ring-holes when put together. 
This makes the length of the short bars three and three eighths and 
the long bars five and three eighth inches from center to center of 
holes. It may be made much shorter, but it would proportionately 
lessen the lever power of the bars upon the jaw, which is the key of 
its success. The bar-s should be made of round cast-steel rod, filed 
and polished perfectly smooth, about five sixteenths of an inch in 
diameter. Between the bars, at the ends, there should be a small, 
thin washer. The rings should be made of iron wire, about two and 
a half to three inches in diameter. The bars especially should be 
filed and polished perfectly smooth, so as to leave no rough corners 
or surfaces anywhere. A round, stiff piece of leather may be stitched 
inside the rings ; while this may be dispensed with, it is desirable to 
have it on. 

A great variety of bits are made on this principle, but their 
construction is so faulty that they do not work well. They are 
mainly defective in being too short and rough. This bit will not 
bruise or cut the mouth. Some of the points which took me a good 
many years to learn, were, that there was no practical advantage in 
making the bars twisted and lough for the purpose of hurting 
more ; that the lever power was the point of its success, and that it 
would work just as well when the bars were smooth as when twisted 
and roughened, making the serious objection of cutting and tearing 
the mouth. 

The point of its use is, when put in the mouth the reins are to 
be brought back through the shaft lugs so as to bring a straight, 
even pull upon the mouth backward, and prevent the horse from 
turning around. A specially important point is that the hand parts 
of the reins are large and soft, so as to give good hold upon them. 
Now, stand behind, just beyond the reach of the heels, with a rein 
twisted once around each hand, and after moving the horse moder- 
ately, call "Whoa!" sharply, instantly following with a sharp, 
quick, raking pull. The variation of the pull in the arms should not 



" W," on BREAKING BIT. 93 

be more than two or three inches, blended with the direct pulling, 
which should be with the energy of the strongest blow from the 
shoulder, the principle simply reversed. In this way, after the 
command of "Back" or "Whoa" is given, whichever it is, 
repeat at short intervals. In all ordinary cases the submission 
will be quick and easy ; but in plucky, bad cases, the resist- 
ance may be very determined. In fact, in exceptional cases it 
may be so great that it will seem impossible to make the horse 
yield ; but this should not by any means be accepted as a reason for 
discouragement. 

If the horse warms up much, and becomes sullenly indifferent to 
the pressure of the bit upon the mouth, by repeating the lesson it is 
rare that he will not be found to submit in a few minutes. At any 
rate the lesson must be so thorough that there will be unconditional 
submission. In all my experience I never found more than half a 
dozen cases that did not submit to two or three lessons. Success 
will depend upon how it is done, the main point being to make the 
horse submit, if possible, before he warms up, persevering and re- 
peating till there is success. But should the horse become so 
warmed up as to make it necessary to repeat the lesson, he must be 
allowed to stand long enough to become entirely cool. The better 
way would be to let him stand over night, or even longer. In most 
cases, when the lesson is repeated, he will be found to respond im- 
mediately, because the mouth has now become very sensitive ; but 
if not, the only thing to do is to go on as before, carefull}', until 
successful. 

Another very importaut point is, if the case is known to be 
a very serious one, and resists with decided courage (this has special 
.reference to large-boned, rather coarse, but very plucky, determined 
horses), to move the horse at first very slowly, until the point is gained 
of making him stop and come back at a slight pull. In my own prac- 
tice I moved the horse on a very slow walk, and repeated making 
him stop until he would do so without being pulled upon, then stop 
and come back, until he would respond to the pull of the bit with 
the elasticity of a spring. Then I moved him a little faster, and re- 
peated until he could be moved to a sharp trot, and would stop 
instantly at command without being pulled upon, no matter 
what the excitement. This I would repeat over and over until I 
could put the horse on a run and do it ; and if his character had been 
such as to make him at all seriously doubtful, this lesson was re- 
peated after he had got cool. This is what I called testing what 
had been done. In most cases the horse will be found entirely man- 



94 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



ageable ; but he may, when pushed up sharply, resist quite hard 
again. If so, the point must be fought out at once, and most 
thoroughly. 

The next step is to put before a wagon. In my own experi- 
ence, I made it a point always, in such cases, to force the horse back 
suddenly against the cross-piece ; in fact, I impressed him with such 
power as to entirely discourage him from the least offer of resistance. 
I then moved the horse a little, pulling the wagon behind him. He 
being submissive to this, I now attached the harness, got into the 
wagon and started him again, very moderately, and as before 
repeated the starting and stopping until I could push him out on 
a run, and make him stop at command. The lesson in all cases was 
made without the breeching strap being buckled. 

Frequent reference will be made to this bit in different parts of 
the work, more especially in Colt Training, Running Away, and 
Runaway Kickers. It will also in many cases be found good treat- 
ment for breaking up the habit of pulling on one rein. It is the best 
means, also, of teaching a horse to stand or back. 

More extended details in the applica.tion of this bit will be 
found in the chapters on " Colt Training," and " Running Away." 

Four-Ring, or Upper Jaw Bit. 

As training the mouth by the Breaking Bit is not always desir- 
able on account of the work of doing it, and the lack of skill and 
practice in using it, I include other forms of bits which will enable 
the control of horses more directly and sometimes with great suc- 
cess : 1. The Four-ring Bit ; 2. The Hal^-Moon Bit ; 3. The Spoon 




Pig. 123. — Improved Four-ring Bit. 



Bit ; and 4-. The Patent Bridle. Other bits might also be used with 
success. We describe first the Four-ring Bit. 

In controlling a horse by the head, we find that one of the most 
sensitive parts of the mouth is the roof of the upper jaw. If we 
take a common snaffle bit and slide two rings over the mouth-pieces, 
and connect them by a strap passing loosely over the nose, when the 



FOUR -RING, OR UPPER JAW BIT. 95 

reins which are attached to the outside rings are pulled upon, the 
center of the bit will be forced upward against the roof of the mouth, 
producing such acute pain that but few horses can pull against it 
with much force. 

This bit has been in very general use for a number of years, but 
I do not know when or by whom it was invented. Frank Leslie, of 
Leslie s Weekly, who witnessed some of my experiments in New York 
City, told me that while in Europe he saw an illustration of such a 
bit in an old Grecian work. While the bit works fairly well when 
not pulled upon very hard, its power would be almost wholly lost by 
the rings sliding to the ends of the bars if the resistance against it 
were at all severe. To prevent this I devised an obstruction to the 
rings at a certain point, beyond which they cannot slide. (See Figs. 




Fig. 134. — Improved Four-ring Bit. Patent Applied for. 

123, 124.) By this improvement the bit will rest easily and naturally 
in the mouth, yet be held firmly in place in spite of any degree of 
pulling upon it. 

This bit will usually work well upon hard pullers and side- 
reiners, especially those that, as they warm up, have more inclina- 
tion to lug or pull. I have known many horses that would pull so 
hard upon a common bit as to draw the wagon by the reins, yet 
would, by the use of this bit, when properly adjusted, submit to an 
easy rein. It is also one of the simplest and safest means to make a 
horse stand to be shod. For this purpose, when the bit is in the 
mouth, take a common War Bridle cord, tie one end into the near 
ring, and pass through the opposite ring till taut, and tie. Then 
bring the cord around the horse's neck as for Second Form of War 
Bridle, with the cord well back upon the neck, and pass down back 
of the jaw. This will be found of special value to horse-shoers, 
because, with rare exceptions, it compels most horses bad to shoe 
to stand gentle while being shod. 

The main point of success in this bit is, first, in having it made 
right, as shown — the bars a little longer than the ordinary bit, and 
either constructed so that there is an obstruction at the rinsr at the 



METHODS OF SUBJECTIOX. 



inner end of the bar, as shown in Fig. 124, or the bar slotted, as 
shown in Fig. 123. In either case, the bars must be filed smooth, 
so as to make the play of the ring free and easy. 

But the most important point is its proper adjustment to the 
head. It should be made to hang a little low in the mouth ; next 
the strap across the nose should be made of nice soft leather, from 
an inch and a quarter to an inch and a half wide, the ends buckling 
nicely into the rings. This strap must come right straight across 
the nose, and be buckled short enough so that when the bit is 
pulled upon, the full pressure of the center of the bit, or the ends 
of the bars, where they come together, will be brought firmly and 

strongly against the 
roof of the mouth, 
)'et not fitted so 
tightly that it will 
press uncomfortably 
against the upper 
jaw when the bit is 
not pulled upon. If 
the strap across the 
nose is in the least 
too long, the point 
of advantage will be 
practically lost, and 
there must be dis- 
appointment. This 
is a point that must 
be looked to care- 
fully. 

The ordinary simple forms of this bit, as generally sold by har- 
ness-makers, are not made properly, and in addition they are never 
properly fitted, and consequently will rarely give the satisfaction 
expected. 

When in Cleveland, Ohio, a gentleman reported to me having 
a very fine, fast-gaited driving horse in every respect all right, 
except that he would pull so hard that he became practically 
unmanageable. I adjusted this form of bit carefully, when he would 
drive in any manner, fast or slow, to a slack rein, scarcely showing 
any resistance. 

A very fine driving mare owned by a physician in Battle Creek, 
Mich., was perfectly gentle and fearless, but she would pull the 
wagon with the reins, — if in the least excited could not, in fact, be 




Fig. 125. — Four-ring Bit as Arranged for Use. 



HALF -MOON BIT. 



97 



held down at all. I adjusted a bit as described, when she drove 
entirely gentle, in fact he told me that his wife could drive her 
afterward. 

A great many interesting cases could be referred to, showing 
the value of this bit when properly made and adjusted. It will not 
work well on horses that throw the nose up very high, as by the horse 
doing this, it will be found that its advantage will at once be lost. 
Neither is it adapted for rapid speeding. 

The Half-Moon Bit. 

The point of this bit is in having the lower or inner side drawn to 
a thin edge. The edge can be made straight, or a little concave. 
The edge should be about as thin as an old twenty-five cent piece, 
and filed very smooth, but not sharp enough to cut. The point is 




Fig. 12G.— Half-moon Bit. 

that the small surface brought against the jaw, when pulled upon 
at all hard, will necessarily cause so much pain that it will not be 
resisted. It will in many cases work very nicely, while in some cases 
it will not work well at all ; it will usually work well on spirited, 
energetic, headstrong horses. There should be round pieces of 
leather adjusted inside the rings. 

This bit will enable driving many headstrong horses easily. 
The simplest and best form of check for this is arranged about as 
follows : Put on a small steel bit partly bent, and pass a closely-fitting 
strap from each ring across the nose. To keep it in place, another 
small strap should extend from the center of it to the head-piece. The 
gag-runners should be attached to the bridle, well up on the head- 
piece, on a line with the ears. The check-rein should be attached to 
this bit, and drawn short enough to throw the head well up. 

The next point is to so conform the driving-bit that it cannot be 
resisted. This is accomplished by making the part of the mouth- 
piece coming against the jaw so thin that more than an ordinary pull 



98 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



upon it will hurt so severely that there will be no inclination to pull 
against it ; next, it should be made circular in form, so that it will give 
suilficient lateral restraint to prevent pulling or lunging sideways. 
The length should be from four and seven eighths to five inches from 
center to center of holes, the bend about one inch forward from a 
line drawn across the center of the holes, with the edge filed down to 
about the thickness of the back of an ordinary knife-blade, and 
rounded to prevent cutting. This will make the surface bearing 
against the mouth so narrow that the most plucky horse can scarcely 
pull against it. This bit will be found very effective for the manage- 
ment of spirited, pulling, and lunging horses. 

The Spoon Bit. 

The Spoon Bit simply causes sensibility in the mouth in 
another way, namely, by the pressure of the spurs or flanges 
against the outside of the jaw to the degree the bit is pulled upon. 




Fig. 127.— Spoon Bit. 



It will be found in many cases to work very nicely, though it is not 
a bit that gives much power. It is more like the Four-ring Bit in 
compelling an easy submission of the mouth to the guidance and 
restraint of the reins. The illustration will sufficiently explain its 
construction. 

In using any of these palliative bits upon horses known to be 
liable to run away, it is in all cases advisable to put on one or 
two foot-straps, to be carried back into the wagon, and the horse 
carefully tested, when, if he should resist the bit and lunge ahead, he 
can be at once disabled by pulling one foot from under him. Should 
this be resisted, follow immediately by pulling the other foot from 
under him. This is, of course, simply a precautionary measure. 



THE PATENT BRIDLE. 



99 



The Patent Bridle. 

When the horse is found to be extremely reckless in resisting 
the bit, and especially when the case cannot be subjected to the 
regular treatment to be trained out of the habit, it is very important 
to be able to bring sufficient 
power upon the mouth to 
restrain and hold the horse 
safely. .If, in addition to this, 
the force of the restraint car 
be made to impress the horse 
in such a way that he will be 
disinclined to repeat it, a 
very important point will be 
accomplished. This we can 
now do very successfully by 
what we here denominate the 
Patent Bridle, which is es 
pecially adapted for the con- 
trol of extremely headstrong 
or lunging horses 

During my early experience, 
I found an excellent method 
of driving hard-pulling, run- 
away horses was to bring a 
small cord across over the head under the head-piece of the bridle, 
then pass the ends through the rings of the bit, and then attach the 
reins. Then, when the horse pulled, the purchase would be brought 
directly across the top of the head, and it was found to work in 

many cases very finely. I made 

various modifications of this, but 

when I made the point of training 

the mouth out of resistance by the 

Breaking Bit, there being no special 

necessity for this kind of treatment, 

I abandoned it. But knowing the 

inability of many to do this with 

Pjq 129, the requisite success, in addition to 

often requiring considerable work 

to do it well, to meet this emergency I devised the Patent Bridle, 

which carries this principle to the highest degree of perfection. 

It sometimes requires considerable practice as well as much 




Fig. 128.— Outline of Patent Bridle. 




100 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



hard work to train a horse successfully by the Breaking Bit ; also to 
make a bad puller, or horse having a hard mouth, sufficiently sensi- 
tive to submit to the control of an ordinary bit. 

This is an ordinary bit with a pulley in each ring. A small, 
oval strap passes under the head-piece of the bridle, at each end of 
which is a pulley corresponding to those attached to the bit. Tie 
or buckle the ends of the reins into the rings.ofthe bit, pass them up 




Fig. 130.— Patent Bridle for Headstrong, Lunging, Runaway Horses. Patented Oct. 20. 1880. 

through the pulleys on the ends of the round straps, thence back 
through the pulleys in the bit rings. On the ends of these round 
pulley reins is stitched a small, strong string. Another round, e>^tra 
bit of strong, flexible material (used only for severe cases) is attached 
to the main bit. (See Figs. 128, 129.) This bridle gives great pulley 
power, up and backward, against the most sensitive part of the 
mouth, under the upper lip, making it almost impossible to resist an 
ordinary pull upon the reins. In addition, the fulcrum of whatever 
power is used being brought, by the rounded strap before referred 
to, directly upon the spinal cord (as explained in Third Method), 
makes it a direct and powerful means of subjection ; so that 
if there is courage to pull for any length of time, the horse finds 
himself so overmatched that he will soon cease the resistance, and 



FOOT -STRAP. 101 

drive with an easy or slack rein, whea the extra bit, if used, can be 
removed. 

In using this bit upon a dangerous or doubtful horse, I would 
advise first heading up a long hill, and then pulling upon him 
steadily, as may be necessary until he gives up. A rubber connect- 
ing the ends of the bit to the rings on the pulley-reins makes the 
action of the bit upon the mouth the same as any ordinary bit. If 
at any time there should be much resistance, the rubbers stretch 
sufficiently to give play to the reins upon the pulleys, which will 
compel submission, — a very important point in the management of 
plucky, treacherous horses. 

In breaking a horse to lead, simply reverse the reins through 
the pulleys so as to pull ahead. By catching both reins and pulling 
sideways and ahead, it will give such purchase that the horse can be 
lifted rigkt or left, or ahead with as much or more power than by 
the War Bridle. 

For halter-pulling, pass the reins or cord attached to the rings 
through the ring or hole in the manger, and form the end into 
a noose around the body of the horse back of the shoulders. The 
instant he begins to pull, the punishment becomes so severe upon 
his head that he will soon be afraid to pull. This is the only prac- 
ticable means for breaking bridle-pullers. It is equally effective for 
breaking double-balkers. For such, the cord is tied to the end of 
the pole (as explained under the head of "Balking"), when, if the 
balker does not go, the gentle horse jerks him out of his tracks, 
making it a very easy and effective method of managing a double- 
balker. 

The Foot-Strap. 

On the same principle, a second foot-strap can be used, when 
there will be power to control either one or both feet as may be de- 
sired. It must be used before the horse gets under much headway, 
for, if allowed to get under much motion, and then have both fore 
feet pulled from under him suddenly, it would throw or tumble him 
over upon his head. 

Another objection is that in throwing the horse forcibly upon 
the knees, unless the ground is very soft, or the knees well protected 
by pads, there is serious danger of having the knees bruised or cut. 
A horse can be very easily ruined in this way ; for, should the syno- 
vial membrane of the knee-joint be cut through or ruptured, which 
can be easily done, it would surely result in spoiling the horse. 



102 



At KT HODS OF SUBJECTION. 




Fig. 131. — Foot-strap. 



Both legs can without difficulty- 
be pulled from under the horse at 
the same time with a single strap, 
and it would work very well so far as 
bringing the horse upon his knees 
in a soft spot, and disconcerting him 
when moved moderately in harness 
only, and would enable the control 
of quite a bad colt, but cannot be 
safely hazarded when hitched to a 
wagon, and especially if the ground 
be at all hard, and the horse is per- 
mitted to go at all fast, for the rea- 
son, before explained, of the danger of tumbling the horse over on 
his head, and bruising and cutting the knees. If this is attempted, 
it should be done by the use of two straps. 

During my early experience, in fact the second colt I used the 
foot-strap upon, the owner was elated with the idea that he was 
allowed to hitch up his colt, and though entirely manageable, to 
show a friend his power he let him out on a sharp trot a little down 
hill, when he pulled the opposite strap suddenly from under ; the 
consequence was that the poor colt was thrown directly upon his 
face, his knees badly cut, and the skin torn from his forehead and 
nose, in fact injuring him most seriously. 

Driving a colt around in harness, \\hcrc there is plenty of 
straw or very thick sod, throwing him upon his knees repeatedly, 
which can be easily done with a single strap, by passing it through 
rings attached to a strap on each fore foot and back to the belly- 
band, will of course enable throwing the horse squarely, without any 
'difficulty ; but it subjects the horse to such a severe jar as to need- 
lessly strain and worry him. The use of both straps does this far 
more safely and effectively, because it enables pulling one foot or 
the other as may be desired — a great advantage. Should this be 
used, and the horse resists with energy, the more direct methods of 
subjection should be used. 

A single strap can always be used to advantage, and sometimes 
a double one as a means of security, which can be put on quite 
easily. An ordinary piece of good, strong clothes-line, bed-cord, or 
webbing can be used to advantage, which can be attached to the 
feet as simple reserve' power, should the horse attempt to lunge 
ahead, but when found submissive to the control of the mouth, are of 
course to be removed. 



BREAKING RIG. 



103 



The Breaking Rig. 

When a colt or horse is dangerous or reckless in his resistance, 
it is very convenient to control him by means that will require but 
little if any practical skill, and for this purpose I have invented the 
Breaking Rig, which will be found a valuable acquisition to the 
other methods here given. 

To break a kicking, runaway horse or colt, all that is necessary 
is to carefully harness him in the rig so that he will not break loose, 
and let him go as he pleases. The more he struggles to free himself, 
or tries to kick and run, the quicker he will be broken, while the 




Fig. 132.— Simple Form of Breaking Rig. Patented July 6, 1880. 



trainer can sit quietly behind, touching and poling the horse where 
sensitive until he becomes submissive and gentle. The rig should 
be constructed as follows : First, set an upright post firmly in the 
ground. Next, have two shaft-arms, about twenty feet in length, so 
fitted that one end of each will turn upon the post. At the outer 
end of both of these shaft-arms should be fitted a spindle, and 
a wheel from a lumber or farm wagon. Separate the ends of the 
arms at a distance of eleven or twelve feet, or so that the horse can 
travel between them without touching either. Next place two bars 
across from one shaft-arm to the other, the inner one about three 
feet eight inches from the hub of the wheel, the outer one about two 
feet from the inside one at the horse's shoulders, and three feet at 
the quarters, so that an average-sized horse can travel easily between 
them. Have holes or mortises made through the shaft-arms, and 



104 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 

the ends of the bars fitted to them. The inner one should be fast- 




ened permanently, but the outer one so fitted that it can be taken 
out and reversed, to allow driving the other way. It is best to have 



BREAKING RIG. 105- 

the holes or mortises duplicated, so that the bars can be adjusted to 
fit the size of the horse. 

If the wheels are not high enough to support the frame arms^ 
put an extra piece of scantling on the upper, side, and make the 
mortises or holes high enough to bring the bars where the shafts 
would come in driving. The simplest way of fastening the horse in 
the rig is, after he is harnessed in place, to pass a strap under the 
body from one bar to the other, another over the body and shoul- 
ders, and a third over the hips. 

No matter how vicious or headstrong a runaway horse may be,, 
the faster and more determinedly he runs in this rig, the sooner 
he will from necessity -become gentle. He has not the liberty to- 
rear up, throw himself, or kick. If he undertakes to run he will be 
carried round in a circle so rapidly as to become completely dizzy,, 
and would fall helpless if not confined and supported. If sensitive 
about having the head, neck, or hind parts touched, he can now be 
handled until he is entirely submissive to it. If he is afraid of an 
umbrella or robe, these objects can be brought around him until he 
is submissive. If he is afraid of a carriage-top, open and shut an 
umbrella before his face, over, and. behind him, until he is fearless of 
it. If afraid of having the rein caught under the tail, and inclined 
to run under such circumstances, he can now, with entire ease and 
safety, be made to submit to it. 

With such a rig made, which is very simple and easy to con- 
struct, the green colt, kicking runaway horse, or those of other 
dangerous habits in harness, such as fear of top, umbrella, or robev 
etc., can be easily broken by any one. The point is to adjust the 
rig to the horse, so that he will not be hampered or feel any serious 
restraint, except when he struggles to resist ; and then let him go 
or drive him as explained, until, under the most trying tests, he is- 
proved to be submissive and docile. 

Not only this, but it will also be found very effective for break- 
ing single balkers, — a very important advantage. By modifying: 
the rig a little as shown in Fig. 133, the pole may be allowed to 
extend to the opposite side of the circle, to which a gentle horse can 
be attached. Now, with the War Bridle cord on, of course after 
being previously subjected to it as explained under the head of 
balking, it is adjusted to the pole in front. If the horse will not go- 
when commanded, the gentle horse at the opposite end of the pole 
can be started up, when his whole power, if necessary, can be 
brought upon the cord, which will soon bring the horse forward off 
his feet, when, after a few repetitions, he will stop and start freely 
at command. 



Chapter III. 



COLT TRAINING. 

THE successful teacher aims first to gain the confidence of his 
scholars, so that he can address their understanding clearly. 
But were he to transform himself into a dangerous monster, 
whipping them while talking in an unknown language, indicating by 
his actions that 
he would kill or 
injure them, they 
would become so 
frightened and 
excited that 
their first im- 
pulse would be 
resistance or a 
desperate strug- 
gle to get away. 
Now this is the 
impression made 
upon a wild, un- 
broken colt when 
hurt, frightened, 
or excited, in the 
effort to train 
and control him, 
and which in a 
proportion ate 
degree must in- 
crease the difficulty of his successful management. It is important, 
on this account, that every step in the management of these cases 
be of a character to prevent and overcome fear, when the instruction 
and training can be carried forward to the degree of the colt's ability 
to understand, and there is perfect obedience. 

In the first place, it is important to discriminate as to character, 
whether naturally gentle, very wild, or vicious. On this account, 
for convenience, I will divide them into three classes : First, colts 

L106] 




Fio. 134. — Simple Way of Haltering a Dangerous Colt. 



FIRST GLASS. 



107 



that are naturally gentle, but nervous. Second, colts that are some- 
what wild and unaccustomed to being handled. Third, those that 
are not only wild, but vicious and dangerous. The — 

First Class 

Usually require but very simple treatment. The first important 
point is to teach the colt to lead. The War Bridle is by far the 
best and simplest means of doing this ; but as this may not be 
available, I will explain how it can be done in most cases very easily 




Fig. 135. — Testing a Doubtful Coll before Subjecting to Treatment. 

■with a common halter. Put on quietly a simple rope halter that 
fits nicely upon the head, the nose-piece extended well down ; tie 
the noose back of the jaw into a knot, to prevent its slipping or 
drawing tightly upon the jaw. 

Now stand opposite the shoulder, take a firm hold of the hitch- 
ing-part, and give a sharp, quick jerk, which will pull him around 
toward you. This pulling to be repeated at short intervals until he 
will come around freely without being pulled upon, when go to the 
opposite side and repeat the same. Now gradually increase your 
circle to a line straight ahead, until he will follow in any manner. 
If the colt is a little heavy, perhaps sullen, tie up the near fore leg, 



lOS 



COLT TRAINING. 



when he can be pulled around easily. Once yielding, give the leg 
freedom, when he will follow freely. After leading well, catch the 
halter up near the head, and go around with him on a sharp walk at 
the same time, and bring a pole (one end of which being well back 
of the arm) against the quarters. The pulling around will sufficiently 
disconcert the colt to allow this without much resistance, when re- 
peat, and he will soon learn to submit, after which repeat on the op- 
posite side. It would, however, be much better to put on the War 
Bridle if available, and after pulling right and left two or three 

times, bring a 
pole against 
the quarters, 
legs, and flanks, 
as before ex- 
plained. If 
there is submis- 
sion to this, it 
will be all that 
is necessary to 
do, and will be 
just as effective 
as if the colt 
was subjected 
to the severest 
treatment. 

Now handle 
the feet gently. 

There is quite a sleight in doing this. The point is, when on the 
near side to rest the left hand against the shoulder, and as the 
other is run do-wn to the foot to press the body from you, throw- 
ing the weight upon the opposite foot, when the near one will be 
relaxed, and can be taken up easily. While holding the halter with 
the left hand extended back to the hip, and holding it short enough 
to pull the head partly around, pass the right hand down over the 
leg and along gently, until the fetlock is reached. Now, as there is 
an effort to lift the foot, press from you with the left hand, and the 
foot can be easily brought up. At first do not lift it very high, 
gradually repeating until it can be taken up on a level with the 
knees. This submitted to, remove pressure with the left hand, and 
move forward under the leg, the left arm and elbow coming over 
the leg above the gambrel, so as to hold it firmly between both 
knees and hammer it light!}-, then put down and take up again. In 




Fig. 136.— About the Lengtli the Halter Should be Tied. 



FIRST CLASS. 



109 



this way repeat a few times, gradually hammering harder until 
there is no fear or resistance. This to be repeated on the opposite 
side. 

Now mount the colt quietly. The best course is to stand oppo- 
site the shoulder with the left hand grasping the halter and mane, 
the right resting upon the back. While standing right up to the 
horse, make a little spring upward, and on the instant of doing so 
throw the right arm forward so as to bring the part a little forward 
of the elbow, across the back and hold the body so poised a little 




v^B. 



FiQ. 137.— Pulling the Foot Back with Cord. 



while. If the submission is at all doubtful, it is better to repeat this 
two or three times, at each time bringing the body up a little higher, 
or until the breast will come across the horse's back. This sub- 
mitted to, gently bring the right leg up over the back, and gradually 
assume a sitting position. Be careful at this stage to caress and 
talk to the colt. At each progressive step it will help your efforts 
greatly to give him some little present of an apple, or something 
else of which he is fond ; then go on more boldly, and in a short 
time you can get off or on as you please. 

It is desirable at this stage to accustom a colt to sliding back 
over the hips, and touching the heels against the flanks. There is 
quite a sleight in doing this. It is this : While across the back with 
the leg partly over, catch the halter or bridle rein short enough to 



110 



COLT TRAINING. 



pull the head around a little toward the left shoulder. Now gradu- 
ally slide back, touching both heels gently against the sides, until 
you can slide back over the hips. Should he at any point resist or 
jump, you can instantly slip over to the near side, and the head in 
the meantime being pulled around toward you, throws the hind part 
from you. Simply repeat until he can be mounted and will submit 
to all this in any manner. In teaching to drive in harness, the first 
thing to do is to accustom the colt to have the hind parts and flanks 
touched without resistance. The simplest way of doing this is as 




Fig. 138.— Pulling the Foot Forward. 



follows : Take an ordinary pole, something like a rake-stale, and see 
that there are no rough corners or points on it. While standing op- 
posite the shoulder, with the right hand holding the pole, its end 
resting back under the arm, bring the other end quietly to the mane 
and scratch along carefully, gradually extending back over the body 
and legs, then go behind and rub down between the legs, belly, etc., 
until submitted to. 

Training the Mouth. 

The next step is to train the mouth. There are two ways of do- 
ing this — by putting on the Bitting Rig and accustoming to the bit 



TRAINING THE MOUTH. 



Ill 



for some time, and driving directly with the bit. In my practice I 
trained the mouth directly with the bit. If the bitting method is 
adopted, the course to be pursued is to put on a bridle with an ordi- 
nary smooth snaffle bit and leave it on until accustomed to it, then 
put on any ordinary rig and check at first so as to bring but iittle 
restraint upon the head, leaving it on thirty or forty minutes. Next 
day check a little shorter, and let him run in a yard, or be led by the 
side of another horse. At each repetition check a little shorter, until 
the head is brought as high as he will bear, and submit to it. If this 




Fig. 139. — The Coll as he Stands after Treatment. 



course be adopted, be careful not to draw too tight at first, nor leave 
on too long. Many a colt is ruined or killed by this kind of impru- 
dence. The error in bitting usually is that the colt is caught and 
entirely held by force and, while perhaps greatly frightened and ex- 
cited, the rig is put on and the head checked up high and fastened 
there mercilessly. The result is that if a colt of much temper and 
courage, he is liable to get mad, rear up, and throw himself over 
back, which frequently results in his being killed. In any event he 
is worried and excited to a degree that causes serious harm. An- 
other thing : if left on too long, he becomes tired, and to relieve him- 
self he rests the head upon the bit, and thus learns the habit of lug- 



112 



COLT TRAINING. 



ging and pulling upon the bit in driving, a very unpleasant as well 
as mean habit. He is also, from this cause, liable to learn the habits 
of refusing to rein but one way, or pulling on one rein, throwing the 
head down when pulled upon, refusing to stand, or to back. These 
were habits that I had to contend with almost constantly in colts 
partly broken that were brought me to experiment upon. 

A very good and simple Bitting Rig can be made as follows : 
With an ordinary bridle with snaffle bit and gag-runners, fit a sim- 
ple surcingle with loops at different points on both sides with 
crouper attachments, as shown by Fig. 150. Next take a piece of 
cord about the size used for War Bridle, and place the center over 
the water hook, or to be held by a strap connecting it with the sad- 
dle part. Now pass the ends forward through the gag-runners down 




Fig. 140— Wrong Way of Teaching Colt to Lead by Halter. 



through the rings of the bit on each side, thence back through the 
loops on each side of the surcingle, and tie into the hip-ring of the 
back-band, sufficiently short to give the restraint required. The 
higher the cord is held on each side, the greater the tendency to pull 
the head up and back, while the lower it is, the greater the tendency 
to pull the nose in ; so the hight on each side should be regulated 
to suit the case. While by this means there is restraint upon the 
head up and back, the sliding of the cord through the rings and gag- 
runners gives sufficient freedom for the head to be brought down to 
relieve fatigue. 

Other breaking rigs, and some very good ones, are in use ; the 
only objection to them is their expense and complication, there being 
in some cases arrangements of cross-bars put upon the saddle-part to 
give more fulcrum in pulling the head up and back. It is evident 
that the end to be attained is to teach the mouth to be submitted freely 
up and back to the flexible restraint of the bit in driving. Now, bit- 



TRAINING THE MOUTH. 



113 



ting only holds the head to a fixed position of restraint, and does 
not give the idea of doing this practically, which, as stated, is the 
point to be attained. This I learned to do easily with the Breaking 
Bit as follows : Put on an open bridle with smooth snaffle-bit a little 
longer than common if attainable, with harness which should be so 
fitted as to rest easily upon the body. I was in all cases in the 
habit of giving the head entire freedom, and I made it an important 
point that the horse could see me, consequently used no blinders. 
The reins should be brought back through the shaft or lug-bearers. 




Fig. 141. — When Pulled upon Very Hard, is Liable to Rear and Throw himself over Backward. 



Get directly behind and drive the colt around slowly. When he 
pulls ahead, give a little raking jerk, then slack instantly, and so re- 
peat. Do the same for throwing the head down and lugging, which 
will bring the head up and back, simply repeating until the mouth 
is submitted freely to moderate resistance and held in position. 
Sometimes the colt will fight this quite hard. If he is at all sullen, 
and resists hard, the Breaking Bit must be substituted. It will re- 
quire a good deal of work to make your point, and at best can only 
be accomplished imperfectly with anything like an ordinary driving 
bit. In such a case you are to substitute the Breaking Bit, which 
enables you to make your points very easily and quickly. Even 



114 



COLT TRAINING. 



with this there will be sometimes quite a hard fight for a time. Sim- 
ply persevere, being careful not to lacerate or bruise the mouth. 
When the colt resisted too hard, I found it better to stop until he 
became cool, and then repeat, when the point could be made very 
easily. 

It will be noticed, in making a horse lead with the War Bridle, 
that he may at first resist very hard indeed. It would seem to an 




Fig. 143.— Right Way of Pulling to Teach the Colt to Lead. 



inexperienced person that he could not be made to lead at all, but 
by perseverance it will be found that the horse will give up uncondi- 
tionally. The principle is the same in training the mouth in this 
way with the bit. A horse may resist for a time with great deter- 
mination. Simply keep cool, go slowly, repeating as stated, and he 
will soon learn to submit unconditionally. In any event, there must 
be perseverance until the point is made and the mouth submitted to 
the slightest restraint if necessar}-. The lesson should be repeated 
in driving to wagon. 

The details now will be the same as for the management of the 
next class, which can be referred to. 



SECOND CLASS. 



116 



Second Class. 

Among this class there will sometimes be found a colt that may- 
develop quite a bad character, and it is necessary to proceed cau- 
tiously. First learn, if you can, what you have to deal with. If a 
colt is at all mild, and not easily approached, it is best to turn him 
quietly into a moderate-sized room or carriage house. There 
should be no stalls which he can run into, or corners to run against 
and hurt himself It would perhaps alarm him too much to try to 
catch him and put on a halter, and besides, there would be danger 
of his getting hurt. This difficulty can be easily, overcome as fol- 
lows : Get a pole about ten feet long, and drive two nails into it, 




Fig. 143. — Simple Method of Making a Sullen Colt Follow Instantly. 

about eight inches apart, the first about one inch from the end. 
Take a common rope halter and form a slipping-noose with the part 
which slips through it back about two feet, hanging the part which 
goes over the head on the nails of the stick, so as to be easily' ad- 
justed upon the head. (See Fig. 134.) If the colt is not very much 
excited or frightened as the halter is extended toward him, he will 
reach out his nose to smell and examine it. While he is trying to 
gratify his curiosity in this way, bring the slipping part under his 
jaw, while the head part is passed over and back of the ears, when 
by turning the stick half round, the halter will drop upon the head. 
Now, by pulling upon it, the slack will be taken out, and the halter 
will be upon hjm securely. 

Should you try to teach him to lead now, he may resist so hard 
as to become very much excited and worried. Even with the War 



116 



COLT THAT XING. 



Bridle on it is not always policy to try it at this stage. The best 
course to pursue is to subject to the Second Method of Subjection. 
Reach out as carefully as you can until you can get hold of the tail. 
It must usually be done very quietly. Tie it into a knot, and run 
the halter through, drawing short enough to bring the body into a 
half circle. Catch the cord and hair with the right hand, and with 
the left catch the hitching part well up toward the head, and go 
around with him a few times as shown in Fig. 86 ; then tie into a 
half-hitch knot, and let him go around. Be careful not to tie so 
short that he will go around too quickly, as this would make 
him so dizzy that he would fall down. As you let go, motion the 
hand toward the head as he passes, or catch up a pole which is 
readv and motion toward the head, and touch lightlv around the 




Fig. 144. — The Colt as he will Usually Follow after Treatment. 



hind parts. This to be done only when he is going slow, which will 
force him to go rapidly ; and in this way continue until he becomes 
so dizzy that he will submit himself to be poled around the legs and 
body in any manner. In most cases this is a very simple operation, 
and entirely safe ; but there are frequently cases that require con- 
siderable care and judgment. For example, should a colt be of a 
sullen, reckless character, if he is tied too short at first and then let 
him go his own way, he may lunge and throw himself This can al- 
ways be avoided by holding the strap part of the halter when 
passed through the tail with the hand, and then going around a few 
times until he is a little dizzy, and in the meantime pull just the 
length required and make fast by tying into a half-hitch knot, when 
give freedom. Sliould he go too fast, or there is danger of his fall- 



SECOND CLASS. 



117 



ing or throwing himself, catch the end of the strap and pull loose. 
This is a very nice point, and one that must not be neglected, 
whereas, if tied too short at first, causing him to go too fast, it is im- 
portant that the strap be instantly pulled loose and tied longer. In 
either case, the point is to regulate the going around just enough to 
make him dizzy and no more. There is nothing made by letting 
the colt fall, and especial care must be taken to prevent his 
throwing himself 

Now proceed with the poling. Touch every part of the body 
that is in the least sensitive while going around, until submitted to ; 




Fig. 1-15.— Teaching a Colt lo Follow with the Whip. 



then untie and do the same. I mean by this that when he will sub- 
mit to being touched on any part with the pole, go to the opposite 
side and repeat until there is no fear or resistance shown. Every 
part of the body must be touched. Usually the feet can be taken 
up now and handled. 

Next get on the back. These points should be made thor- 
oughly. As a general thing, this will require but a few minutes' ef- 
fort, and the change will seem wonderful. All his fears and sensi- 
bilities apparently having left him, he acts the part of an entirely 
gentle colt. But some colts, and those too that may appear quite 
gentle, may resist very hard when touched or tested in this way, 
striking and kicking with great fury. This is not to be accepted as 
a cause for discouragement. Simply force up sharply to the point 



118 



COLT TRAINING. 



of helplessness, and, if resisting this very hard, reverse quickly and 
tie the other way, and thus repeat until there is entire submission. 
It is very rare that even a colt of this character, when this treat- 
ment is applied properly, cannot be made perfectly gentle within 
from eight to twelve minutes. 

If the case is a bad one, after making this point, proceed as fol- 
lows : Put on the War Bridle and make him follow thoroughly. 
There will usually be but little trouble in making the colt follow with 
this in a few minutes. Now take up the feet, as before explained. 
If this should be resisted, punish a little with the cord by pulling 




Fig. 146. — Colt as he will Follow after being Trained with Whip. 

right and left once or twice and repeat. As a general thing there 
will be but little trouble experienced. Sometimes it may be found 
quite difficult to take up the hind feet without getting hurt. In such 
a case simply tie a flexible piece of rope or webbing to the hind 
foot, and while held at the head by an assistant, pull the foot back. 
This may at first be resisted quite hard, but simply keep repeating 
until it is submitted to unconditionally. Now gradually catch the 
foot with the hand, and so repeat until it can be handled without 
difficulty. (See Figs. 138 and 139.) The opposite foot must be 
treated in the same manner. If this is resisted very hard, turn to 
instruction on "Bad to Shoe," where full details are given. 

The next step is to drive in harness. I found I could accom- 
plish my end quicker and better by putting on a nice, smooth 



SECOND CLASS. 



119 



Breaking Bit, with wide leather inside the rings to prevent its being 
drawn through the mouth, then pass the reins back through the 
shaft of the harness, and stand behind, holding the reins far enough 
away to avoid being kicked or hurt. Now touch gently with the 
whip, and gradually let the colt go any way he will, straight ahead. 
When he will do this nicely, teach him to stop by calling "Whoa!" 
sharply, and immediately giving a short, sharp, raking jerk, just 
enough to stop him, but immediately slack. Usually the horse will 
resist this by trying to go ahead. Simply repeat until he will get 
the idea and stop promptly at command. It is important that this 




Fig. 147. — Bringing the Pole Against the Quarters. 



is repeated until thoroughly learned. Now gradually make him go 
sideways by pulling the line to the right or left. In any event, this 
must be persevered in until the colt will stop and start, turn side- 
ways, or in circles, as required. Do not commit the error of trying 
to back him or make him back too freely. While it is advisable to 
teach him this now, it must be done very cautiously. Simply call 
"Back," and pull him back just enough to bring him off the feet a 
little, if you can, backward. This to be repeated until he will move 
back by pulling gently upon the reins and saying " Back." Let this 
be the object of two or three short lessons, so as to get him to come 
back at command, but not to go back too freely for this reason : If 



120 



COLT TRAINING. 



a colt is made to come back too easily, should he become frightened 
at anything in advance of him, and especially if pulled back suddenly, 
he is liable to go back too far, and thus learn the habit of running 
back, turning around, upsetting the wagon, and getting away, one of 
the worst habits a horse can acquire. 

This point of coming back accomplished, now stand a little side- 
ways and bring the pole across against the quarters, then between 
the legs and under the body until it is submitted to unconditionally. 
Next bring back against the pole or rail anything about as high as 
the cross-piece of shafts when in harness, as shown in Fig. 147. 

This submitted to unconditionally, with sufficient control of the 




Fig. 148. — Bringing Pole against Quarters when First Driven in Harness. 

mouth to hold a colt under any degree of excitement, the next step 
is to drive in shafts. If he becomes excited or stubborn at any 
point, particularly if he resists the bit hard, the better way will be to 
put him away until cool, when by repeating the lesson he will soon 
work in. At this point there is great danger of spoiling the mouth, 
because when the blood becomes much heated the sensibility of the 
mouth becomes so blunted that he will bear to have it cut to pieces 
without seeming to feel it ; but when over the excitement it will be 
so sensitive and sore that he will be liable not only to yield too 
freely, but, as before stated, acquire the habit of running back ; hence 
the necessity of being careful in this respect. The course I found 
easiest and best was to get two poles, something like hop poles, 
about twelve feet long, lay them down in the form of shafts ; about 
six feet from the forward ends lay on a piece of pole and make fast 
with pieces of rope or strap, so as to make the poles at this point 



SEGOND CLASS. 



121 



about three feet apart ; now hitch the colt into these poles without 
breeching, and drive 'along as shown in Fig. 153, repeating the les- 
son until he can be turned right or left, back against the cross-piece, 
or submit to any excitement, and can be held and managed easily. 
This point accomplished, you can next hitch to a wagon. If 
available, get a two-wheeled cart, which would be much better. 
Before hitching to wagon or cart, be sure that all fear of any rattle 
or noise from behind is thoroughly overcome. Next, when the 
shafts are brought up behind and the colt put in, run the cross- 
piece against the quarters two or three times and push them right 




Fig. 149. — Method of Backing the Colt against Rail or Pole. 



and left against the body, then shake and rattle the wagon, then 
move him along a little, pulling the wagon behind. Now attach 
the tugs and breeching-straps, and if you wish to give the utmost 
security, attach a piece of cord or strap to the near fore foot, and 
hold as a third line. Now, should the colt try to lunge ahead, sim- 
ply take his foot, when he will become disabled. Usually there will 
be no resistance. It is simply a measure of precaution. Found 
safe, take off and drive moderately. 

Another point : The colt should always be hitched where the 
road is wide and level, or in a field, giving a chance to drive around 
and turn easily. At first let him go any way he will, giving him a 
moderately slack rein. If the previous work has been well done, 
the colt will be as gentle and indifferent to excitement as an old 
horse. But if not subdued and made thoroughly gentle and fear- 



122 



COLT TRAINING. 



less, as before explained, there is danger, in exceptionally bad 
cases, of his getting frightened and kicking, and thus a great point 
is lost. It is, in fact, almost fatal to success to let a colt by careless- 
ness or accident resist at any point, as it makes him cunning and 
•doubtful, — a condition that sometimes requires very careful, thor- 
ough work to overcome. 

There should be no effort to make a drive until the colt is ac- 
customed to turning, stopping, and starting, but not to backing ; 
let that come after the going ahead and stopping is thoroughly es- 




Fio. 150 — Simple Form of 6itting-rig. 

tablished, when repeat the lesson on backing a little. At first, the 
driving should be confined to a walk, then gradually let out to a 
moderate trot, being careful not to drive to the point of exhaustion. 
If the colt steps well, and it is desired to cultivate a fast trotting 
gait, there is more necessity for going slowly. First, let him out on 
a smooth, moderately descending road, holding up often, and 
speaking to him kindly. Gradually he can be let out faster and a 
little farther, but not to the point of breaking, nor so far at any time 
as to cause fatigue. If it is intended to hitch to top carriage, drive 
around first with an umbrella held over the head, bringing it over 
the back. Ne.xt, lead him around so that he can look into the top 
and smell of it, then lead him into the shafts and hitch. 



THIRD CLASS. 



123 




FiC4. 151— strained, Unnatural Position of 
tiie Head wlien Checl<ed HIgli. 



The custom of using blinders on horses, especially as usually 
put on, in a haphazard way of pressing against and covering up the 
eyes, is an abomination which 
should be dispensed with in driv- 
ing. They are admissible only 
when the horse is lazy or cun- 
ning, watching the whip, etc. 
Any horse of intelligence and 
courage will always drive more 
reliably when able to see around 
and behind him. 

If it is desired to drive the 
colt double, it is equally neces- 
sary that he should be subjected 
to sufficient treatment, such as 
training the mouth a little, mak- 
ing him gentle to being handled 
before being hitched up. It is 
important that this driving should be carefully repeated, and at 
each time of hitching up that the shafts should be run against the 
quarters as before described, so as to make the horse thoroughly 
accustomed to being touched around the quarters and legs. If al- 
lowed to stand a few days or longer, before hitching in, he should 
be tested carefully. 

It is important that all these 
precautions be taken in the 
management of sensitive young 
horses. If it is well done, there 
will be no danger of the colt 
becoming frightened, kicking, 
and running away from any lit- 
tle accident such as the breech- 
ing strap breaking, the cross- 
piece touching the quarters, 
catching the rein under the tail, 
etc., as there is close connection 
in these cases with excessive 
fear. See chapter on Fear. 

Third Class. 




. — The Head as Nature Designed 
it Sliould be Carried. 



In this class are to be found 
sometimes colts of the most difficult character to manage. Some of 



124 COLT TRAINlNd. 

the worst cases I ever handled in my life were colts partly or wholly 
unbroken. Among this class we found our greatest average of sub- 
jects to be experimented upon before classes. They were usually 
colts that had been either greatly frightened or excited to kick- 
ing and running away, or were naturally so vicious and dangerous 
as to be very difficult to go near or handle at all with safety. If 
kickers, they would kick in the most recljless and desperate manner, 
making it impossible for even two or three men to hitch them in 
shafts and be able to hold them without their kicking or running 
away. 

In the management of these cases it is necessary to prepare 
thoroughly. A very important point is to have a roomy place, 
with soft or sodded ground, or ground covered with something that 
would make it soft and prevent slipping. The first thing to do is to 
get the halter on safely and with the least excitement. Next get 
the horse under sufficient control to be able to subject him to requi- 
site treatment. The Second Method is by far the simplest and 
safest in accomplishing this. After turning around quickly almost 
to the point of falling, untie quickly, and tie the other way, follow- 
ing up until submissive to being handled. If the colt be of a mus- 
tang character, this will be found by all odds the best treatment. 
In some cases this may not be sufficient to accomplish your point. 
If a colt three or four or more years old, and if of a disposition to be 
safely used, subject to the First Method, throwing rapidly and just 
as long as the horse will get up. Then perhaps it would be advisa- 
ble to subject again sharply to the Second Method. This is the 
course we frequently pursued with great success, but then we had 
the advantage of knowing the treatment best suited and applying it 
most successfully. 

Next put on the War Bridle, double-draw hitch form, and make 
all the impression with that you can. If this be done properly, the 
colt must be very bad indeed that will not yield to it in a short 
time. In very serious cases we resorted at once to the Third 
Method, making all the impression we could with it, and again go- 
ing back to the Second Method. In some critical cases we had to 
depend almost wholly upon the Third Method. But usually the 
Second or First will be found sufficient, and certainly, in connection 
with the double-draw hitch form, there should be no real difficulty 
experienced in making your point. 

It is of course indispensable that the conditions and principles in 
applying these methods of subjection should have been read and 
studied carefully. Another important point to bear in mind : When 



THIRD CLASS. 



125 



the case is known to be a very serious one, prepare yourself thor- 
oughly. First, as stated, you must have a suitable place to work in ; 
second, you must have everything necessary to work with. Noth- 
ing should be left to chance. Your War Bridle cord must be of such 
size and quality that it will not break or give way at a critical time. 
It is a cause of the most serious-embarrassment, if not of failure, to 
use anything that would break or give way in making your experi- 
ments. You must look to the point of even being dressed properly. 
I mean by this that you should be stripped as if working for your 
life, because at certain points it is necessary to be very quick and 




Fig. 153. — Testing the Colt by Driving in Poles. 



ready for any emergency. In my practice I made it a great point 
to have a supply of apples or something else of which horses are 
fond, and the moment I made the subject submit unconditionally I 
appealed at once to his better nature by the kindest treatment, but 
in the meantime kept on handling him industriously, and thus con- 
tinued until the horse was cool and over the excitement, when, after 
resting awhile, I repeated the handling in the same manner, and 
then, if necessary, I in part repeated the treatment. In this way I 
kept on until I felt sure of success. I may repeat that it is simply a 
matter of exercising care and being thorough. No risks that can 
be avoided are to be taken. As stated under that head, the Third 
Method cannot be repeated with success, neither can the First. 
Whatever is done with these methods must be done at once. The 
after-treatment to be given the same as described, simply using, if 
anything, more care. The point with these cases is to make every 



126 



COLT TRAIXIXG. 



step thorough, and from every point gained make the next, until the 
colt can be hitched up and driven with safety. In our experiments 
before classes we were usually able to hitch up these cases in from 

fifteen to twenty-five minutes. 
For one who is not practiced, 
and I presume my reader not to 
be, the point is first to make the 
colt thoroughly gentle, and sec- 
ond, making the point sufficient 
to driving to poles and cart after 
thorough control of the mouth. 

In the management of mus- 
tangs, which properly comes un- 
der this head, the point is to get 
to the horse and make the first 
movement with him with safety. 
This will sometimes be found 
verj' difficult, but certainly there 
is no treatment that works so 
well upon the mustang nature as 
the Second Method, and it must 
be depended upon mainly for 
such cases. 

Te.\chixg a Sullen Colt 
TO Lead. 

Sometimes the colt is so sullen 
that it will be found very difficult 
to at first make him lead by the 
head. The younger the colt the 
more sullen will be this resist- 
ance. Sometimes the tempera- 
ment is such that the colt will 
fight very hard. Where you find 
such, the best way is to resort to 
strategy, which will usually en- 
Take two War Bridles (one not being 
sufficiently long), unite the ends, and make a noose, which bring 
around the body, the noose under, and bring the cords forward be- 
tween the fore legs. It should be placed about half way between 
the shoulders and hips. Stand in front, a little to the left, and 
while holding the halter with the left hand give a little sharp 




able making your point easily. 



TEACHING TO LEAD. 



12T 



jerk upon the cords, which will contract the noose around the body,, 
and so hurt and frighten the colt that he will jump ahead. Simply- 
repeat a few times, when he will follow around freely. 

Sometimes doubling the cord and bringing the two under the 
tail, then twisting them two or three times over the back, knotting 
them together in front of the breast, and pulling in the same manner, 
will work better. The objection is that some colts will kick when 
the pressure of the cord is felt under the tail. It will in any event 
be found a very nice means to make a sullen, unbroken colt lead 
quickly. It took me a good many years to learn this simple trick. 
Once a colt was brought in that sulked so badly that he could not 
be made to lead. On the impulse of the moment, I took the War 




Fig. 155. — Colls as Usually IVIade to Follow on a Run by a lew Minutes' 
Treatment before the Class. 



Bridle, brought it under the tail, and gave a quick, sharp pull for- 
ward. The consequence was, he jumped nearly ten feet ahead, and, 
in fact, I had all I could do to hold him. This worked very well 
until I found a colt that it caused to kick, which I remedied by 
bringing the noose around the body as described. Once a man in 
Pennsylvania offered to join my class if we could make a colt he had 
lead. He stated that the colt was five years old, and could not be 
led ; he would be satisfied if we could make the colt lead across the 
barn. I directed one of my men to go to the man's place, to put a 
halter on the colt, and put on the cord under the tail, as described, 
and bring him along. The first the people knew he had him run- 
ing after him into the inclosure. We then of course trained him by 



128 COLT TRAINING. 

the head with the War Bridle to make him follow, which we did in 
a few minutes. 

Training to Lead with Whip. 

Another method of teaching a sullen colt to lead, and one that 
works very nicely if done properly, is by training with the whip. 
After putting on a halter, bring a short whip over the withers, so 
that the lash will strike the side of the head below the eye (see Fig. 
145), and commence tapping lightly until the head is turned around 
a little from it, when stop and caress. This to be repeated until the 
colt will step around toward you to avoid the annoyance of the 
whip. Then step ahead a little and touch with the lash over the 




Fig. loO.— Proper Method of Hitching the Colt at First. 

hips, which will cause him to come ahead, and so continue until he 
will follow anywhere. This is a little feat of training, but the result 
that can be accomplished with it in a few minutes will often be won- 
derful. During my first toiir in Maine, in 1863, I advertised to make 
any wild colt follow me into the open street within ten minutes with 
the whip only, not having anything on him. I did it in this way : 
At first I used a belly-band and surcingle, to prevent the horse get- 
ting away — that is, when he tried to move I pulled the foot from 
under him ; but he can be held just as well with a halter, and it is 
much simpler. 

Hitching the Colt. 

This is very simple and easy to do by the method here given, 
tut by the old method of treatment is liable to be a very serious 
matter. After teaching a colt to lead well and making him gentle, 
provide yourself with a cord sufficiently strong (largest size War 
Bridle is the best) ; this should be doubled, and make a noose around 



HITCHING THE COLT. 129 

the body ; bring forward between the legs, pass through the rings 
in the manger and tie into the halter, hitching about as long as you 
usually would a horse to a post. Be careful to hitch in such a posi- 
tion that he cannot run around. In a large stall will be the best 
place. The moment you are ready, let the first impression be a 
sharp one by exciting him to go back with a lunge, but the cord 
around the body will hurt him so that he will usually jump and 
spring ahead. Simply repeat until he can be made to go back. It 
is important that this point be well made, so as to break up all in- 
clination to pull afterward. I would hitch in this manner for a day 
or two. Very full instruction will be found under the head of" Hal- 
ter-Pulling" on this point, which can be referred to. 



Chapter 1Y, 



EXCESSIVE FEAR — ITS EFFECTS. 

IT is quite wonderful to what a degree the nervous system can be 
shaken or deranged by sudden fright or intense fear. So sus- 
ceptible is the mind to this influence that not infrequently very 
trifling causes in themselves make such an impression upon children. 




-The Colt Excited by Fear. 



and- sensitive persons as to produce convulsions and insanity that 
may in some cases end in death. Even large audiences are some- 
times so panic-stricken by the cry of fire, or some other cause of 
danger, as to seem insensible to reason. Under such circumstances, 
many men and women become so demented that they are most 
likely to do just what they should not. For example, they will try 
to save things of no value, and leave valuable property to be de- 
stroyed, throw mirrors and other fragile articles from upper story 
windows, without realizing they must be broken ; be unable to dress^ 
or will get on garments the wrong way, etc. 

(130) 



(,' SyERA L RE MA RKS. 



131 



Now the horse is liable to be excited and deranged in the same 
manner. It is well understood how difficult it is to get horses out of 
a burning building ; and if by blindfolding, etc., they are taken out, 
when given freedom their confusion and excitement is so intense 
that they are apt to rush back into the fire. On the sudden ap- 
proach of a train, or blowing of the whistle, a horse in crossing the 
track is liable to become so paralyzed that it cannot be forced across. 





Fig. 1.58. Fig. 1.59. Fig. 100. Fig. ICl. 

Contrasts of Cliaracter. 

in time to prevent a collision. It is not uncommon to have a horse- 
frightened to death in this way. 

To illustrate, I will include an account of a few such cases that 
comprise the record of a few days only : — 

•• In Rochester, N. Y., the other day, a horse was so frightened at an engine letting off 
steam, that it trembled, and in a moment fell dead from fright." 

'•At White Plains, N. Y., a horse was so frightened b_v a locomotive whistle that he 
dropped dead." 

" Two yery remarkable eases of horses being frightened to death occurred in Fairmount 
Park, Phil., within the past few days. Last Thursday the horse of P. Wallace, of Seventeenth 
and Catherine streets, became unmanageable, through fright at a train of cars on Mifflin Lane. 
The occupants of the carriage alighted, and Mr. "Wallace undertook to drive the horse off to- 
quiet it, when it dropped dead. 

" During Monday the horse of Mr. Zeiss, Ridge Avenue and Jefferson Street, ran away from> 
fright at a passing steamboat. Guard Ledlie caught the animal, when Mr. Zeiss said lie^ould 
then manage the horse, and .started off. The horse went off all right for about 60 yards, when: 
he again ran away and went 15 or 20 feet, when he dropped dead." 

Colts or unbroken horses are especially susceptible to fear. Al- 
most every step in their management, as shown in Colt Training,, 
lies in overcoming resistance excited by fear. It is the principal 
cause of kicking and running away, as well as many other annoying 
or dangerous habits, which make the horse partially or wholly 
worthless for use. 

A colt that once had the habit of feeding around and poaching- 
in neighboring yards, was so gentle and indifferent to fear that he 
could scarcely be driven away. In order to frighten him off, an old 



132 



FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. 



tin pail was tied to his tail and a dog set on him. At first he cared 
nothing about it, but when he started to run, the pail rattled and 
thumped against his heels so severely that he became frightened, 
and kicked. The faster he ran, the more the pail rattled and 
thumped against his legs, and he ran until he was exhausted. As 
the result, his nervous system was so shaken and injured that after- 
ward the stirring of the grass, or drawing of a stick on the ground 
behind him, would so excite him that he would scringe, switch, and 
kick. 

The effect is the same upon a colt or horse which by some ac- 
cident or imprudence has been excited to kick and run away while 




^ Fig. 162. — Excited by Fear. 

hitched to a wagon. The striking of the wagon against the legs in 
kicking, makes him think it is the wagon hitting and hurting him. 
and he tries in the most desperate manner to get away or free him- 
self from it ; so the fear, kicking, and running are increased until 
freed from the wagon, disabled, or caught. Thus the wagon be- 
comes the same in respect to frightening and exciting the horse and 
spoiling him, that the tin pail was in frightening the colt. The same 
effect, of exciting and frightening the horse as by sudden or unex- 
pected contact with objects or sounds, are produced in various ways. 
Now, as these difficulties are entirely preventable by proper treat- 
ment, the importance of understanding and applying it can be ap- 
preciated. 

A horse's way of reasoning is limited to his experience in see- 
ing, hearing, and feeling. When convinced in this way that an ob- 



GENERAL REMARKS. 133 

ject or sound will not hurt him, no matter how objectionable or re- 
pugnant it may have previously seemed in appearance, it will be 
regarded with indifference. It is remarkable also what a degree of 
insensibility to fear, or how much confidence can be inspired when 
subjected to proper treatment. For instance : Let a pole be brought 
suddenly or unexpectedly against the quarters of a wild colt, and he 
will instantly jump, snort, and kick, showing the greatest fear of it. 
If this be repeated for a few times, the fear, kicking, and effort to 
get away will be greatly increased. If, on the contrary, the pole 
were slowly and gently brought to the nose, so that he can smell of 
it, then passed over the mane and back, gently rubbing the parts, 
and gradually extending it over the hips and across the quarters 
lightly, increasing the force of the contact as he will bear, at the 
same time attracting his attention and quieting his fear by stroking 
the head, talking to him, or giving apples, etc., a few repetitions, re- 
quiring in all perhaps not more than ten or fifteen minutes, will 
make the colt entirely fearless and indifferent to being touched. 

I was once present when a team of four horses was harnessed 
for the first time to a band wagon. With the first note, the horses 
were excited to such intense fear that it was only by the greatest 
effort they were kept from running away, though the band stopped 
playing instantly, I directed the men to get out and go back about 
fifteen rods. In the meantime, I took the most excitable horse by 
the bridle, stroked his nose, talked to him quietly, and directed the 
others to be treated in like manner. They were greatly excited ; 
the one I held fairly shook with fear. After a few minutes, I directed 
the band to commence very lightly upon one or two instruments at 
first, the others afterward to gradually start in. This slight com- 
mencement was repeated several times before the horses would bear 
it without showing great excitement. I then directed them to play 
louder, and increase the tone gradually until up to the full force of 
all the instruments and drums. This point made, while playing they 
came forward very slowly, got in and commenced again in the light- 
est possible manner, gradually increasing the sound until they 
played again with full force. I now directed the band to keep quiet 
while the team was driven a short distance,, then, as before, com- 
mence lightly and slowly, gradually playing louder until the horses 
appeared indifferent to the sound. The result was that in less than 
twenty minutes the band paraded the streets, playing as they 
pleased, the horses entirely gentle, in fact, appearing to enjoy the 
music. Here we see such marked excitement and fear shown from 
hearing a sudden, unexpected sound, as to precipitate the most 



134 



FEA R— 1 TS EFFFJ ' TS. 



violent resistance, and the contrary of soon quieting down and be- 
coming indifferent to it, by convincing the reason that it would not 
■cause injury. As the resistance of colts is almost wholly excited bj- 
fear, I had necessarily to give a very full explanation of their man- 
agement in reference to preventing and overcoming excessive fear, 
which should be referred to ; but their management is so intimately 
connected with this chapter that I will, at the expense of some rep- 
etition, give further details. 

Suppose we wish to accustom a colt to the sight of a piece of 

paper or a white handker- 
chief. It is first brought to 
his nose so that he is able to 
feel of it, and see it plainly, 
then rubbed against the head 
and neck until it ceases to 
attract attention. If now the 
operator were to step behind 
or opposite the flanks, and 
throw it suddenly behind or 
under the belly, it would be 
very likely to excite as much 
fear and resistance as if he 
had not before seen or felt it. 
The difference of position 
makes it appear a new object of danger to be avoided. Familiarized 
with it at the head, it should be thrown down carelessly in front, 
then a little farther back, occasionally rubbing it against the head 
and nose, and so repeating until it can be thrown anywhere around 
or under the body ; this must also be done on both sides of the bodv 
alike. 

A spirited horse that may have been driven for years to a 
wagon, gentle, would be just as likely to kick and run away should 
the breeching break and let the cross-piece or whiffletree come 
against the quarters, as if he had previously known nothing about 
them. And so in relation to other objects or causes of resistance. 
This is particularly noticeable in breaking colts, as shown by the 
fact that making one side or leg gentle will not make other parts so ; 
both sides must be treated alike. It is on account of these condi- 
tions not being understood (the details of which are given in Colt 
Training, Kicking, etc.). that so ma/'v accidents occur from the use 
of horses supposed to oe g"entJe and safe- They are' gentle so far as 
they have beea broken or accustomed to certain objects or sounds ; 




Fig. 163. — Nervous, Excitable Nature. 



RATTLE OF WAGON. 



135 



but when subjected to changes, the impulse of kicking, running 
away, etc., is as liable to occur as if they were entirely unbroken. 
Hence we say that the great majority of such accidents are the di- 






FiG. Ifj5. 
Contrasts of Cliaraoter. 



Fi.;. 166. 



•rect result of ignorance and bad treatment. For details, see preced- 
ing chapter on Colt Training. 

Fear of Rattle of Wagox. 

If the horse is afraid of the rattle of a wagon, restrain or over- 
•come his resistance as may be necessary by one or more methods of 
subjection. Next, accustom the horse to being touched on the 
quarters, etc., with a pole. Put on the harness with Patent Bridle 
or Breaking Bit, to insure holding him easily, bring him in front of 
the shafts, and have some one rattle the wagon until the horse is 
regardless of it. Now carefully put him between tRe shafts, and let 






Fig. 167. Fig. 168. Fig. 169. 

Contrasts of Character. 

the wheels and body of the wagon be shaken again ; then drop 
the shafts upon the ground and repeat. Should the horse at any 
time try to run ahead, pull him back sharply until he will stand 
quietly without resistance. Now hitch him up and drive moder- 
ately at first, making a noise by a stick running across the spokes, 
etc. Gradually let him out to a trot and run, compelling him to 



136 



FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. 



stop occasionally at the command to " Whoa." In the meantime, 
as there is submission, treat kindly. This will not usually be found 
a difficult habit to overcome. In making experiments before 
classes on this kind of cases, which were very common, it rarely re- 
quired more than fifteen or twenty minutes to hitch up and drive 
such safely, even without breeching. 

Jumping out of the Shafts. 

To make a 2oIt entirely safe and reliable in shafts, he should be 
thoroughly accustomed to objects striking against his quarters or 
legs. It is not sufficient that he is accustomed to being touched 
around the tail, or even flanks ; for though brought to submit to 






Fig. 170 



Fig. 1;1. 
Contrasts of Character. 



Fig. 172. 



this, there will be no assurance of his being gentle should the shafts 
strike lower down on his quarters or legs. In my practice I always 
made it a point, even after the colt was proved gentle, standing be- 
tween the shafts, to pull them against the legs both ways, letting 
them drop down sharply on the ground, until he is entirely indiffer- 
ent to their noise or contact. When a horse is not properly trained 
to this, if the breeching is not unbuckled when he is unhitched, there 
is danger of his becoming frightened from the breeching pulling the 
shafts sideways against the legs, and bringing its pressure upon an- 
other part. Under such circumstances a horse, if at all sensitive, is 
apt to become very much frightened, kick, and jump around until 
loose, and is ever afterward, the moment unhitched, ready to jump 
out of the shafts. The habit, as a rule, is easy to overcome. 
Simply accustom the quarters to be touched, and treat practically 
as before explained. 

Top Carriage. 

A little care in preventing excessive fear will save a great deal 
of trouble. In no respect is this more strongly illustrated than in 
the fear of a top carriage. Because a horse drives gentle to an 



TOP CARRIAGE. 



13T 



open carriage, it is taken for granted he must know enough to drive 
to one with a top, and hence the trouble. The horse should first be 
driven around moderately, the driver carrying over his head an 
open umbrella, which appears to the horse like the top of a carriage. 
It should be shaken around and over the horse's body gently until 
it does not attract Jiis attention in the least. Now lead the horse 
to the carriage, and let him feel and smell of the top, and while do- 
ing so, raise and lower it. Then lead him around the carriage, 
shaking and rattling the top at intervals. Next lead him into the 
shafts so as to bring the head over the dash. If sensitive, caress 




Fig. 173. — Simple Treatment — Bringing the Pole over the Bacl< and Quarters 
until no Fear of it is Shown. 



and talk to him, and reward as before. Turn the horse around in 
the shafts, lowering and raising the top until it can be brought up 
and thrown back without attracting his notice. While the top is 
up, put the shafts through the lugs so as to bring the horse into po- 
sition, attach the harness, and start him on a walk or moderate trot, 
repeating the raising and lowering of the top until it is disregarded, 
when he can be driven right along. 

If an extreme case, it will be necessary to first compel sub- 
mission by subjective treatment, and getting thorough control of 
the mouth with the Breaking Bit or Patent Bridle. There must be 



13S 



FEA n—ITS EFFECTS. 



no half-way work. Make every step sure, and go slowly until the 
horse can be put in shafts as before explained, and driven without 
showing fear. This work must in all cases be done out of doors. It 
may also be necessary to repeat the lesson once or twice, so far as 
leading around, feeling and smelling of the carriage, are concerned. 
It is only a matter of a little work and care in thjs way to make al- 
most any horse entirely gentle and fearless. 

Objects Exciting Fear while Riding or Driving. 

In overcoming the horse's fear of objects while riding or driv- 
ing, very much depends upon the treatment. If but partially bro- 
ken, and sensitive, it will help very much to put him through a 
course of subjection. Sometimes, horses so exceedingly sensitive 
that they can hardly be driven with any degree of safety, after being 
treated are entirely fearless in driving. This is seen in the effect 






Fig. IT.j. Fig. 176 

Contrasts of Character. 




Fig. ITT. 



produced by the treatment upon the wild colt. The subjection of 
"Wild Pete," referred to at the conclusion of this chapter, is a good 
illustration of the remarkable effect of this treatment. 

If the horse drives gentle, but is afraid of some special object, 
such as a white stone, stump, sheep, etc., take all the precaution 
possible against his seeing such things suddenly and unexpectedly. 
As soon as his alarm is excited, if at all violent, the best way is to 
stop him, speak encouragingly, and hold him quiet until his alarm 
subsides, then let him go on, quieting him until the object is 
reached or passed b)\ 

Many horses that may appear perfectly gentle, and perhaps 
used for famil}- driving with entire safety, are consequently sup- 
posed safe under any circumstances. No mistake can be greater. 
A horse may be all right, but suppose a threshing-machine or a 
threshing-machine engine were suddenly met : these are entirely 
new, and may suddenly frighten the horse. Do not undertake to 
drive against such objects ; jou had better turn around and drive 



A ROBE. 139 

the other \va)", or lead quietly as you can, ordering the engine to be 
stopped if necessary. These precautions should be taken with any 
peculiar object when met ; if not, your horse is liable to become 
so reckless as to resist control and be spoiled. You cannot afford 
to take the risk, and no man who has any regard for his family 
should undertake it. 

Many horses comparatively safe are liable to be frightened by 
suddenly meeting a drove of sheep, load of hay, white cow, sprink- 
ling wagon, etc. For safety, it is better for a few times to get out 
and take the horse by the head and hold or lead him in part. Par- 
ticular care should be taken not to expose him to the sudden meet- 
ing of a brass band and drums or anything of the kind. If he is a 
crazy-headed fellow that seems all right until he sees something 
and then loses his senses, lunging into the fence, or turning 
around quickly, there is so much danger of being upset that unless 
there is certainty of making him thoroughly safe, he should be con- 
demned for such use. If he will keep well up to the bit, there 
should be no trouble in preventing his going sideways by either the 
Breaking Bit or Patent Bridle. 

The Bit gives power in but two ways, — sideways and ahead ; so 
if the horse will not go against it and runs back when suddenly 
frightened, or turns around quickly, there is practically but very lit- 
tle power to pre\ent it, except what can be done with the whip and 
speaking sharply. Hence the great danger and imprudence of us- 
ing such horses for single carriage driving. 

A Robe. 

The sight of a buffalo robe will sometimes excite great fear in a 
horse. In ordinary cases the fear of it can be easily overcome as 
follows : While holding the horse by a halter or War Bridle, which 
would be better, stand on the off side of the head, and bring the 
robe up to the right side, so that he can see and smell of it. If this 
is borne, with a quick jerk-like movement swing it over the head, 
covefing it completely, and go around with him, keeping on either 
side of the head until he will stop and stand quietly. The first 
movement determines the success or failure of the experiment. 
The point is to get it over the head so quickly that the horse can- 
not see the movement, when the terror of it will almost immediately 
subside. Then draw it backward and forward, finally pulling it off 
and throwing it on, and so repeat until it can be thrown over the 
body or around the horse in any manner. 

If there is failure by tViis method, which is something of a 



140 



FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. 



sleight, take the following course : First, get good control with the 
War Bridle. Next, while holding the horse firmly with one hand, 
with the other bring the robe gently to his nose, letting him smell 
and feel of it, when, gradually, as he will bear, bring it up over the 
head, neck, and body ; then stand off a little way, and throw it 
upon him, and repeat until it can be thrown upon him at a distance 
of eight or ten feet without exciting fear. Both sides must be 
treated alike. 

No matter what is done, the treatment must always commence 
at the nose and head, and gradually work back, as before explained. 




Fig. 17S.— Letting Coll Feel and Smell of Umbrella. 

To overcome all fear of the robe, it may be necessary to repeat the 
lesson several times. If the robe cannot be brought near the horse 
with safety by the control of the War Bridle, the resistance must be 
overcome by First or Second Methods of Subjection. The Break- 
ing Rig, if available, would be still simpler and better. Occa- 
sionally there may be found cases in which the intensest fear may 
be shown, for which the treatment should be made exceptionally 
careful and thorough. 

When treated by Second Method, the horse may strike and 
kick so recklessly as the robe is brought near, it may be necessary 



UMBRELLA OR PARASOL. 



141 



to hang it upon the end of a pole to bring it near the head with 
safety. It will aid greatly to give the horse apples, etc., after sub- 
mitting. N 

Umbrella or Parasol. 

For an ordinary case of a horse being afraid of an umbrella or 
parasol, bring one, while closed, gently to the nose, passing it back 
over the head and neck ; then open it a little and repeat until it 
can be fully spread and brought over and around the body gener- 
ally. Now go off some distance and again approach slowly, and 




Fio. 1T9— Bringing Umbrella over the Head. 

hold it over the head. If at any point there is much fear evinced, 
close it and let the horse see and smell of it, when again repeat the 
experiment ; so continue until the horse can be approached in any 
manner while swinging the umbrella over the head, without attract- 
ing notice. No matter how well the horse behaves, the umbrella 
^should not at any time be forced upon him so quickly or unex- 
pectedly as to excite him. To do so would endanger undoing the 
good impression previously made. The lesson should be repeated 
as for other objects. 

Sound of a Gun. 

If the horse is afraid of the sound of a gun, first snap caps some 
distance from him, gradually going nearer and repeating until it can 



142 



FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. 



be done over the bod}-, neck, and head, occasionally patting and 
rubbing the head and neck with the hand ; then repeat, putting in 
small charges of powder and coming nearer, and so continue until a 
full charge can be fired over or near the horse, as desired. 

Hogs and Dogs. 

Sometimes a dog or hog by running under a colt w ill excite in- 
tense fear. If very bad, get good control by subjecting to First and 
Second Methods, and drive around in harness in a small yard where 
there are hogs, until they will not attract attention. Next, hitch to 
a wagon, and repeat the driving slowly. These cases usually re- 
quire several repetitions of treatment. 

Railroad Cars. 

When a horse has been frightened by a locomotive or train' of 
cars, it is sometimes a very difficult 
matter to overcome the fear, mainly on 
account of the inability to control the 
movement of the cars. The simplest 
and best course for all average cases 
will be about as follows : — 

Drive the horse around in harness, 
so far away from the engine as not to 
excite much fear, and gradually drive 
back and forth in long circles, and closer, 
stopping occasionally to give a piece of 
apple, or something, talking and rubbing 
the head and neck awhile. Sometimes 
it may be advisable to use the War 
Bridle ; but, as a general thing, it would 
be better to teath him confidence by 
driving around near the train. This should be repeated until he 
can be driven around, and quite close, without offering resistance. 
Now drive around to a wagon or sulky ; if to a wagon, get one that 
will allow turning short circles without upsetting. To work surely, 
it is necessary to work slowly. Of course it will be necessary to have 
absolute control over the mouth. In this way a horse can be driven 
with comparative safety near or about moving or stationary trains.. 
Anything like complicated rigging for the control of such horses, 
will be found comparatively worthless. If the horse cannot be 
driven with safety after the treatment given, the risk is too great ;. 
he had better be discarded for drivinEr near the cars. 




Fig. isii. — The Press Horse of Go- 

wanda, a Noted Runaway Kicker, 

after being Subdued. 



INSANITY. 



ua. 



It may be asked, how I have been able to make horses so fear- 
less of the cars that they can be led up to an engine or driven near, 
with indifference. The course I have usually pursued is as follows :: 
First get the horse under good control by a course of subjection,, 
usually by the First or Second Methods, or both ; then make ar- 
rangements with the engineer to let off steam plentifully, and rush 
the horse, with the harness on, into it until completely covered, 
when he will soon cease to care anything about the noise, etc. If 
this cannot be done, drive him around, gradually going nearer the 
engine until indifferent to it. 

Much depends, in the first place, upon getting the horse under 
good control ; second, in 
the management while in 
the neighborhood of the 
engine. A good way, some- 
times, is to blindfold the 
horse and drive near the 
train until quiet, then let 
him see out of one eye, 
gradually moving him 
around, and let him see out 
of both eyes. Very much 
can be done in this way. 
The horseshould be hitched 
to a wagon and driven at 
every available opportun- 
ity about or near the cars. 

There is one point to which I would call particular attention : 
The horse may appear perfectly gentle after being treated, but 
when the position is changed, as when taken from a building into 
the street, or from the street into a building, or if allowed to stand 
for some time, he will upon trial seem to be as much afraid as ever, 
but upon repetition of treatment it will require only a very few 
minutes to make him as fearless as before. 




Fig. 181.— Wild Pete. 



IXS.^NITV. 

It is not uncommon to find horses intensely afraid of some par- 
ticular object, as blood, or the sound of the cars, etc., while per- 
fectly indifferent to other objects or sounds. The causes we cannot: 
always trace, though we can see the effects. In all ordinary cases,, 
there is but little difficulty in overcoming such fear by proper treat- 
ment, but it is possible to find cases so extreme as to render it 



14i 



FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. 



difficult, if not impossible, to make them reasonably safe. I am satis- 
fied that many of the extreme cases of this character which I have 
treated, have been the effect of prenatal causes. But the nervous 
system can be so impressed by direct causes of fear and injury, as 
stated, as to destroy life or produce insanity. 

One of the worst horses I ever handled was a small bay, in Ver- 
mont, that was perfectly gentle, except being afraid of the shafts 
touching one quarter. This was caused by the shaft having run 
into his quarter. Ordinary cases of this kind yield to treatment in 
a few moments. Some nervous systems are susceptible to very in- 
tense impressions when once excited, and there will be correspond- 




Fiu. 182. — Wild Pete in tlie Act of Running Away. 



ing difficulty in overcoming them. Therefore success must be 
determined as much by the intensity of the habit as by the treat- 
ment. The success of the treatment will depend upon the direct- 
ness with which the brain can be influenced ; but success in getting 
up a reaction and changing the character as desired, must be 
equally the result of the amount of resistance, viciousness, or de- 
rangement of the nervous system. These are points which should 
be studied, since frequently even a minor habit, or apparently trifling 
form of resistance, may cause a great deal of trouble to be overcome, 
because of the intensely susceptible as well as positive character of 
the case. 

I will include here reference to a very interesting case of this 
kind of nervous susceptibility, from a number in my special work, 
to show the decided effect of proper treatment. 

This was a nine-year-old bay pony, owned by Mr. Smawley, a 
livery keeper in Petroleum Centre, Pa. This pony was so wild and 



ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 



145 



reckless that he was in that region of country known by the name 
of Wild Pete. Every effort to break him had failed. It usually re- 
quired two men to hold him while being groomed. He could be rid- 
den, but it was utterly impossible to do anything with him in harness. 
Once when a harness was put on him, he became so frightened and 
reckless that he jumped and got away, and when found, all the har- 
ness excepting the collar had been torn or shaken off. His fear was 
so great that he was frightfully wicked in his resistance. 

When I visited the place in 1869, I was confronted with this 
liorse. All said, " Let us see you drive Wild Pete," regarding it as a 
-good joke that they had a horse that could "beat the horse-tamer." 




Fig. 183.— Pole Rig. 



Upon examination, I found him a small, closely-knit .fellow, 
possessing great action and power of endurance. His forehead was 
broad, and the head in all respects well formed. To test him, I put 
on the War Bridle, tied up his near fore foot, and while holding 
him, with the lash of a straight buggy whip barely touched his 
quarters. This frightened him so intensely that he sprang over six 
feet into the air, kicked violently, pulled away from me and al- 
though on three legs, repeated this jumping and kicking for over 
half a mile. 

I stated to the people that I could not break such a horse in a 
barn, but would form a class, and on the following day I would 
•drive him before them without breeching, entirely gentle and fear- 
less, and that the money for the instructions might be deposited in 



146 



FEAE—ITS EFFECTS. 



the bank, to be delivered to me on fulfillment of this condition. As 
this was one of the most interesting and marked cases I had found 
in all my experience, and as it represents a large class of nervous, 
unmanageable colts, I will include the full details of the treatment 
used : — 

I first arranged with the owner to have him taken to the Titus- 
ville trotting park, eight miles distant, and there I subjected him 
carefully to Second Method, which was exactly adapted to his tem- 
perament. I touched his quarters very lightly at first, which he re- 
sisted by kicking, snorting, and jumping in the most desperate man- 
ner. But I persisted in the effort, repeatedly reversing both ways 




Fi(i. 184.— Wild Pete, as he Appeared Next Day alter being Subdued. 



until he was compelled to submit to it, but not sufficiently to hold 
gentle. This so toned him down that I was then able to subject 
him without difficulty to First Method, which, as he resisted with 
great courage, was consequently very effective in his case, but not 
by any means sufficient to make him submit to be harnessed or put 
in shafts. I subjected him again to Second Method, and now suc- 
ceeded in making him entirely gentle to submit to having a pole 
brought against his flanks, etc. 

The next step was to drive him, which I knew I could not safely 
do. To accomplish this, I improvised the pole rig for shafts, re- 
ferred to in chapter on Colt Training. As soon as he found himself 
between the poles and was allowed to move, he seemed for a few 
moments to exert all the energy of despair in trying to get away. 
But expecting this, I was prepared to meet it and hold him, though 
his resistance at this stage was very determined. 



ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 1J:7 

This simple rig, though a chance outgrowth of incidental neces- 
sity, proved not only just the thing for the emergency, but a valua- 
ble acquisition for the management of colts and horses generally of 
this character. Turning right or left, the poles come against the 
legs ; in backing, the ends stick into the ground, bringing the cross- 
piece firmly against the quarters. There is no danger of their 
breaking, and by their use the quarters can be accustomed to being 
touched or run against by the shafts in driving. Submitting to this 
he was practically broken, and at once harnessed before a wagon 
with breeching straps loose, and driven back to the American 
House, much of the way with the cross-piece striking the quar- 
ters, proving him perfectly gentle. That evening I drove him to Pe- 
troleum Centre, and the next day, as promised, exhibited him in 
harness, proving him a model of docility. 

An incident peculiar to this case is here worthy of mention : 
Upon visiting this place about three years afterward, Mr. Smawley 
informed me that the horse had been used as a family carriage 
horse and was one of the safest in that part of the country, but that 
it was impossible to shoe him with the halter on, while with the bri- 
dle on he was perfectly gentle to have his feet handled. While 
treating him, had I taken up his feet after the harness was removed, 
and accustomed them to being handled and pounded upon for a few 
moments, he would have been just as gentle while being shod with 
the halter on as with the bridle. As it was, he could associate sub- 
mission only in the manner the treatment was used, and this car- 
ried it no farther than driving with the control of the bit, hence the 
docility to allow the feet to be handled while it was on. 



Chapter Y. 



KICKIMG. 

KICKING is the most common as well as most dangerous habit 
we have to deal with. It not only destroys the value of the 
horse most seriously, but makes his use, when it is possible to 
use him, so unreliable and unsafe as to be a constant menace of dan- 
ger and loss. The greatest average of test subjects brought me to 
experiment upon before classes were in nearly all cases kickers rang- 




Fig. 185. — The Effect of Bad Treatment. 

ing over the unbroken colt that kicked when touched, the colt that 
would kick and run away, the one that could not be harnessed or 
hitched with safety, determined runaway kickers, and especially 
horses that kicked when approached, or from mere habit. We often 
had horses brought us that had been experimented upon so much as 
to make them so thoroughly vicious and dangerous in their resist- 
ance as to be practically worthless. A great many interesting cases 
illustrating this could be referred to did space permit ; but to show 
the value of the treatment here given when properly applied, I will 
refer onh- to a few cases, as an aid to the reader in making experi- 
ments. 

First. A five-year-old stallion, owned in Northern Indiana, that 
had resisted all treatment. This horse was naturally very gentle, 
but had been frightened in driving, and could not be put in the 

(148) 



GEXERAL NEJfAFKS. 149 

shafts. He was driven entirel)- gentle in twelve minutes before the 
class. 

Second. An eight-year-old trotting-horse in Cleveland, O. This 
case would kick and run away in spite of all that could be done. 
The utmost effort made to break him had failed. The disbelief in 
my efforts was so great, that, for a test case, I was compelled to buy 
him at a large price, and was entirely successful in bringing him 
under the most perfect control in about forty minutes ; and to the 
surprise of everj-body he was driven next day on the square per- 
fectly docile, without bridle reins, or breeching. 




Fig. IsG.— Trealmenl that only Confirms the Habit. 

Tltird. In ^Mansfield, O., a thoroughbred trotting-mare, seven 
j-ears old, had kicked from the time she was three years old, and, in 
defiance of the utmost effort, became entirely unmanageable. This 
was a severe test case, no one believing that she could be broken. 
She was controlled with entire success and driven in the street 
within an hour, and proved afterward one of the gentlest and finest 
driving mares in the country. 

Fourth. A seven-year-old horse in Putney, Vt. This was a 
pon\- horse of remarkable courage and pluck, would run away re- 
gardless of all that could be done, and was one of the most desperate 
kickers I ever saw. Upon a test, he pulled six men by the bit, three 
men to a rein, across the floor, and this with the Breaking Bit in his 
mouth. He was brought under perfect control in about three quar- 
ters of an hour, and proved afterward as gentle and manageable as 
any family horse could be. 

Fifth. The Hetrick horse, of Xew York, a large Western sorrel 
horse, was sold for $275 on condition that he could be driven. He 
had been hitched to a cart both wheels of which were blocked, and 



150 



KICKIXG. 









Figs. 187-192.— Contrasts of 
Cliaracter. 



though held by three men, he ran away, 
tore the cart to pieces, and proved ut- 
terly unmanageable. This horse was 
bought for $50, and brought to me to ex- 
periment upon as a test case. He was 
brought under such complete control in 
less than an hour after I was able to get 
my hands upon him (which was a. diffi- 
cult matter to do with safety), that he 
could be driven anywhere without 
breeching by the control of an ordinary 
bit onl}'. 

Sixth. A four-year-old colt in Ra- 
venna, O., of so exceptionally wild and 
dangerous character that he could only 
be brought in between two long ropes. 
It certainly seemed impossible to hitch 
this colt in harness, because if touched 
on any part of the body it would be im- 
possible to hold him, and yet, without 
any serious difficulty, he was driven en- 
tirely gentle in thirty minutes without 
breeching. 

Seventh. A four-year-old colt of trot- 
ting blood, in Lancaster, N. H. This 
was one of the most nervous, impulsive 
kickers in that country. This horse was 
sent over forty miles to one of the best 
horse-breakers in that country to break, 
who, after working with him two weeks, 
gave him up as hopeless, but was driven 
entirely gentle without the least excite- 
ment or danger within forty minutes. 

Eighth. A runaway kicker in> Brook- 
ville, Pa. This horse had not been in 
harness for two years, and was regarded 
as entirely unmanageable. After thirty 
minutes he was driven down hill without 
breeching by a little boy. 

Ninth. A seven-year-old horse in Nor- 
walk, O., had not been in harness for over 
a year, and was regarded as hopelessly 
unmanageable. Two horse-breakers who 



GENERA /> HE MA RKS. 



151 



visited that country, worked upon this horse for two weeks, result- 
ing in seriously injuring the horse, and leaving him worse than he 
was before. This case was entirely controlled in less than fifty 
minutes' treatment, and was driven next day eight or ten rods distant 
in the street without breeching, by word of command only. 




Fig. 1(14. 
Contrasts of Character. 



Fig. 19.j 



These apparently remarkable results were accomplished by one 
or more of the methods of subjection, with the Breaking Bit de- 
scribed in the second chapter. These, with a great many other in- 
teresting cases, are referred to in detail in my regular book on the 
horse. We had cases of this character brought to us almost daily 
to be experimented upon, and it was very exceptional cases that we 
could not hitch up and drive within fifteen to twenty or thirty min- 
utes. Occasionally we would find cases that we could not control 





Fig. lltT. 
Contrasts of Cliaracter. 




Fig. 198. 



in one or even two lessons, but it was seldom we experienced any 
real difficulty in doing so by careful repetition of the treatment, the 
main point being to apply the treatment carefully and properly. 

I think it advisable to call attention, first, to the common 
causes of kicking. In Colt-Training and Fear special attention is 
called to the fact that making one part of the body gentle gives no 



152 



KICKING. 



assurance of making other parts so ; or accustoming a colt to an ob- 
ject such as a piece of white paper, blanket, or other ordinary causes 
of exciting fear, making him gentle to 
having it brought near or placed upon 
one part of the body, is no guarantee 
of his being fearlessofit when brought 
to other parts ; that making one 





Fig. 199. Ideals of Sullen. Treacherous Natures. Fig. 200. 

part gentle in handling will not make another so. Thus, for ex- 
ample, we bring a handkerchief to the nose, and it is soon submitted 
to. Now, if it be suddenly thrown under the belly, or over the back, 
and especially if thrown from behind, it will be found to excite as 
much fear as if the horse had not before seen or felt it. So in accus- 
toming the body to being handled. Making the fore legs gentle to 
be handled is no assurance of the hind legs being so. In making 





Fig. 201. Fig. 202. 

Ideal Expressions of Determined, Fighting Kickers. 



experiments, I freqdently illustrated this very clearly by making 
one of the hind legs or quarters gentle to being handled or taken 
up, yet showing that the opposite leg would be resisted as much as. 



GENERAL REMARKS. 



15S 



if the other parts had not been touched. This is particularly the 
case in relation to the hind quarters. Now, when a colt or horse 
is broken as ordinarily done, and goes off all right when put in 
harness, it is taken for granted that he is as gentle and safe as can 
be expected. He has not been subjected to any treatment that would 
assure his docility when touched from behind ; consequently, if, by 
carelessness or accident, the rein is caught under the tail, or the 
breeching strap breaks, or there is some other cause of derangement 
that lets the cross-piece or whiffletree come suddenly against the 
quarters, these parts being practically unbroken or not accustomed 
to such contact, the horse is li- 
able to be so frightened and ex- 
cited as to kick, and once started 





Fi(!. 203. Fig. 2(14. 

Points Showing the Expression of Confirmed Kicl<ers. 



in the habit, there is increased inclination to do so until confirmed in 
it. Now, all this can be prevented without the least difficulty by 
fifteen or twenty minutes' proper treatment, as explained in the 
chapters referred to (Colt-Training and Fear), requiring only, 
excepting in very serious cases, the very simplest treatment, and 
even when the case is very dangerous or vicious, the treatment is 
not at all difficult, so that in point of fact nearly every case of this 
character, no matter how vicious the colt in the light of our present 
knowledge and experience, may justly be accepted as invariabl)' 
the result of ignorance and bad treatment. In the first chapter I 
have explained that the principle of teaching the horse to do any- 
thing is exactly the same as in overcoming a habit, the only differ- 
ence being that it is reversed, so that the key to success is in being 
able to combat the habit directly and thus overcoming all inclina- 
tion to resist. If it is a matter simply of overcoming fear, as in the 



154 



KICKIXG. 



case of a green colt, the first thing to do is to accustom all parts of 
the body to be touched and handled until there is no fear or resist- 
ance. It will be noticed that a nervous colt may at first resist very 
violently, but in a short time, if properly done, all this fear will seem 
to cease, and there V\'ill be perfect submission to being handled as 
desired. 

If It is a matter of teaching a colt to kick, the point first is to 
get him started in the act, graduall}- repeating and encouraging for 
doing so, when by its repetition the horse will be taught to kick as 





Fig. 205. A Good Expression of the Sullen Kicker. Fig. 206. 



a trick or habit. Now, when the habit is formed, and we wish to 
break it up, the point is, if the colt has been excited by fear, to over- 
come that cause of fear, which is not at all difficult. Next, when 
learned as a habit, no matter how vicious or persistent it is, the 
point is to combat it most directly until it can be overcome, when the 
better nature is to be brought into co-operation, and thus even the 
most reckless case can be easily broken of the habit. Now, in the 
cases referred to in the commencement of this chapter, this is just 
what I did by the advantages of the treatment here described. In 
the case of a simple colt, or one that has been spoiled in breaking, 
no matter how wild or reckless, if unable to overcome the resist- 
ance by simple good managem.ent, I simply subjected to either or 
all the methods of restraint or control described, until the habit was 
given up, when all that was necessary to do was to treat the case 
gently, at the same time accustoming the horse to being handled 
until all inclination to repeat the resistance was entirely overcome. 



DETAILS. 155 

Details. 

For convenience we will divide kickers into three classes : Fii-st, 
colts that have been spoiled in their breaking ; second, vicious, kick- 
ing, runaway horses ; third, those that are simply kickers, otherwise 
gentle, but thoroughly confirmed in the habit. Among these might 
be included a great many modifications, but as the treatment is very 
much the same, and in a great measure depends upon the use of the 




Fig. 207. — Showing the Impulsive, Dangerous Character of Bad Kickers 
when first Brought for Treatment. 

means of control described, it would only confuse to tr\- to give 
minute details. 

First Class. 

These will usually be found very simple and easy to manage. 
I would advise first to study your case carefully, if not quite sure of 
the character of the resistance and disposition. I mean by this, 
whether the horse will show very much resistance at first or after 
being roused, which will usually be found the worst cases. The colt 
that is simply nervous and kicks a little can be controlled very easily 
by the use of the War Bridle, double-draw hitch form, by putting 
it on and making the horse feel your power a little, then accustom 



156 KICKTXG. 

the hind parts to being touched with a pole, as explained in Colt 
Training. If this is resisted, simply punish with the cord until the 
poling will be submitted to unconditionally. 

I will presume that there is not a Breaking Bit available, and 
only the ordinary resources of the stable at hand. In such a case, 
put on next a well-fitting harness with an ordinary bit. The longer 
the snaffle bit, the more power and effectiveness. Treat precisely as 
advised for the colt, by poling behind and backing up against the 
rail, so as to come against the quarters where the cross-piece o( 
shafts will strike. This thoroughly submitted to, drive around, at 
the same time poling industriously until there is no fear of it. Then 
hitch to poles as directed in that chapter, and make the point thor- 




FiG. 208.— As some very Bad Kickers will Acl when Touched. 

ough of accustoming the quarters to being touched or beings 
pressed against without resistance. 

If there is much fear of the wagon, and the case is at all doubt- 
ful, put on the foot-strap, and first put in shafts without breeching, 
as explained for colts, and make the point thorough of submitting 
to the rattling of the wheels, shoving the cross-piece against the 
q^uarters, etc., then hitch in cautiously, holding the foot-strap as a 
reserve power. Continue driving until there is assurance of the 
case proving safe. 

Second Cl.\ss. 

Among these will frequent!}- be found some very serious cases. 
They are usually young horses that have been frightened, kick vio- 
lently, and run away. Now, let me tell you that there are certain 



SECOND CLASS. 



157 



"temperaments that may make you serious trouble and require care- 
fulness to manage successfully. They are usually horses of good 
■dispositions, very intelligent, but sensitive, and if thoroughly fright- 
ened, the effect may be very serious indeed. In any event, if there 
is much fear, it must be thoroughly mastered. The course usually 
pursued is to hitch up the horse as carefully as possible, and then 
try to drive him. This generally only leads to increasing the 
trouble, by giving the horse an opportunity to resist again, and thus 




Fio. 209. — As the Desperate Kicker sometimes Resists when Subjected to First Method. 



be only more confirmed in the habit, the very point we should try 
to avoid. 

Take the horse first into a quiet corner of a well-sodded field, 
back yard, or carriage-house with floor well covered with some soft 
material. See that there are no idlers lounging around to criticise 
and annoy you ; prepare yourself with every necessary requisite for 
your experiments, even having provided your supply of apples, 
sugar, salt, or something else of which the horse is fond. Make up 
your mind that you will not lose your temper, and that you w ill 
work slowly and carefully. Try first the Second Method. If car- 
ried out properly, the case should be quite a bad one that cannot be 
controlled by it so far as making gentle out of harness. There is 



158 



KICKIXG. 



quite a sleight in using this treatment, and if not just understood, 
you should read very carefully explanations of it under that head. 
Send the horse around at first rather slowly, until sure that he will 
bear it, then gradually push up to the point of falling, and if known to 
be very bad, reverse quickly. Lose no time in doing this ; it must 
be done as quickly as possible, so as to give the horse no time to 
concentrate his efforts in resistance. At any rate, keep on till the 
poling is submitted to unconditionally. If, however, you find the 
case resists very hard, try now the Third Method. This in sensi- 




FiG. 21U. — As Extremely Bad Kickers Resist wlien Touclied wtiile Pressure is On. 



tive, nervous kickers, is certainly very effective. Do not put it on 
very tight at first, and see what the effect will be. The key of its 
use is, after being put on, to pole the hind parts until there is no re- 
sistance. If the poling is resisted for some time, put on tighter, 
and repeat. Usually a few minutes' pressure will be sufficient. If 
you have a good place and a rig, and you are at all handy, it would 
also have a good effect to use the First Method. This will work 
wonderfully well in some cases, but, singular as it may seem, it 
may not work at all with satisfaction in others, (if not quite clear, 
read explanation on page 56,) and it might be supplemented in 
such cases by either or both of the other Methods. But as this is a 
matter of experiment, I cannot really describe here the cases it will 
or will not work upon. At any rate, either or both these Methods 



SECOND CLASS. 



159 



of treatment found most convenient and easy to use may be tried 
until in a general way the horse is made gentle, then carry out your 
control with the Breaking Bit. A very full explanation of the use 
of this bit, as applying to these cases, will be found under that head, 
and should be read carefully. As there stated, there is a great 
sleight in its use. First get thorough control of the horse in har- 
ness, so that he will stop immediately, and come back against the 
poles or anything else. This point must be made at all hazards, and 
must be made without much working of the mouth, if possible, for 
fear of making it too tender. After he will stop and start, start him 




Fig. 211. — Test often Given by the Author in Proving the Horse's 
Docility after being Subdued. 



out on a run, and make him stop immediately at command without 
pulling. 

This point made, then hitch cautiously to poles, or cart, or what- 
ever is most convenient at hand, and carry out your control as 
described in Colt-Training. The whole point is to be careful and 
thorough. If your horse kicks with you once successfully in shafts, 
you have practically lost all you have gained. This must not be 
permitted on any condition ; so that the point of real success is to 
make your groundwork so thorough that when you come to driv- 
ing in shafts, you are able to make it with certainty. If you are at 
all doubtful, resort to any measure by which you can prevent the 
horse's resisting. The foot-strap will in ordinary cases be your sim- 



160 



KTCKIXG. 



plest measure of doing this. Should the horse develop a sullen or 
sulky disposition if subjected to Second Method, it may be neces- 
sary to touch him sharply upon the nose with the whip to force him 
to go along sufficiently quick to produce the effect desired. You 
may try the First Method, and if you fail, then you must depend 
upon the Third. 

You may meet with the difficulty of his biting upon the cord. 
This is so rare, however, that it is hardly worth mentioning ; but if 
you should find such difficulty, this treatment must be abandoned at 
once. With good management there will be but little trouble. 

If a colt is very wild and much afraid of a wagon, the case is 
liable to be a very serious one. If a very nervous horse, you must 




Fio. 212. — As the Horse usually Drives In Harness after being Subdued. 



Tdc particularly careful so as not to injure him. Take your time, and 
make every step slowly and thoroughly, trusting nothing to chance. 
These cases will sometimes resist with great fury, striking and kick- 
ing most violently. The First and Second Methods will usually be 
your best treatment upon these. If you have a good assistant, you 
can work sometimes with excellent advantage by putting on two 
foot-straps, when your assistant can pull one or two feet from under 
the horse, thus bringing him repeatedly upon his knees. The ob- 
jection to this is that it worries the horse greatly, and unless the 
ground is soft and free from stones, there is danger of bruising and 
cutting the knees ; besides, the effect is not nearly so good as can be 
obtained by the treatment described. If the patent Breaking Rig, 
-explained in Chapter II., were available, it would save considerable 



THIRD CLASfi. 



161 



work in this way. The horse is then held helpless in shafts, as it 
were, when he can be driven as desired. When the Third Method 
is used, while the pressure is on bring the poles against the quar- 
ters industriously. Usually at first the horse will kick hard, but it 
is rare that there will not be submission in a few minutes. 

These points made, gradually remove the pressure, and while 
doing so keep rubbing and bringing the poles against the quarters 
and flanks, until there is unconditional submission, then continue as 
explained, driving in harness and wagon. The greatest average of 
the wofst horses I ever found have been iron-gray, sorrel, and black, 
though I have occasionally found bays extremely bad. It should 




Fig. 213. — A Test to which the Horse should be Subjected before being Subdued. 



seldom require more than thirty or forty minutes to bring a very 
bad horse under control by these combined efforts of treatment. 

Third Class. 

I have in my mind now about the worst class of kickers we have 
to deal with. They are either cases that have been made thor- 
oughly vicious by excessive fear or running away, or those that are 
so naturally vicious, and kick and strike so recklessly as to seem to 
be beyond the reach of any kind of treatment. There is a class of 
men who think it is bravery to be reckless with dangerous horses. 
In point of fact, I have found such men to be usually the greatest 
cowards. In experimenting before classes, I would frequently have 
men who would be disposed at first to censure me for appearing to 
11 a 



162 



KICKING. 



be overly cautious. I will illustrate by referring to a special case 
in Michigan. A farmer brought in a five-year-old colt to be experi- 




mented upon. He stated that he had been driven in harness, but 
had got the better of him. I at once saw the colt to be a very 
dangerous one, and was acting so cautiousl}- with him that the man 



TUIRD GLASS. 



163 




-Norman Horse. Natuially Gentle. 



openly censured me for presuming to be so timid, and he was about 

walking up to the horse to show me how easily he could handle him. 

I simply said, "Wait a moment; you do not know your danger; I 

will show you what kind of a 

horse you have here, and then 

if you think best you can handle 

him as much as you please." 

I took a small pole and reached 

it out toward the horse's nose, 

when immediately he reared and 

struck at it with the viciousness 

of a wild mustang. I next 

touched the hind parts, when he 

jumped into the air and kicked 

with such fury as to clear the 

floor at once. I then said to 

the owner, " Let me see you go 

up and handle him now." Said „ 

1 << X , , , ■ Fig. 315.- 

he, i would not go near him 

for a thousand dollars ; I had no idea he was so bad." I taught him 
and the class a bit of a lesson that I think they never will forget. 
I then went on carefully until I could get to the horse safely, when 
I soon had him under perfect control, and he became as gentle to 
be managed and driven as any ordinary colt, not requiring in all 
more than thirty minutes. 

, These cases are liable 

to resist with great reck- 
lessness. It is a specially 
important condition of 
success that everything 
needed for treatment 
should be carefully at 
hand, and of the best 
quality. It is almost fatal 
to success, and especially 
so in the management of 
a critical case, to have 
anything break when a 
horse is making a de- 
termined struggle of re- 
sistance. There should be great care taken not to get injured. The 
selection of ground, or the place where the work is to be done, is 




Fig. 21G.— The Best Type of InlelltgenI, 
Courageous Nature. 



164 



KICKING. 




Flu. 217. — Surly, Dangerous Character. 



a very important con- 
sideration. In fact, every 
emergency must be care- 
fully provided for. I 
have in my mind now a 
representative case. A 
five-year-old colt had 
been harnessed several 
times, but each time 
kicked himself loose and 
got away. He was 
brought in at Gallup- 
ville, N. Y., and is re- 
ferred to on page 414 in 
my regular work. This was a strong, large-boned, courageous colt, 
extremely afraid of being touched, and could not be hitched to a 
wagon. As we were compelled to make experiments in a wagon- 
house with a plank floor, and with a large number of people around, 
it required the best of management to control him with safety. We 
tried first the Second Method, but could not under the circumstances 
carry it far enough to be at all effective. The First Method would 
have worked well upon this case, but could not be safely used on a 
hardwood floor. I concluded, however, that the Third Method 
would be sufficiently effective, and subjected him to the highest 
pressure we could prudently use with four cords. Upon touching 
the hind parts, he kicked with such fury that he threw the shoes 
from both hind feet with so great a force that they dented the 
wall deeply on the opposite side. This resistance was continued 
for fully twelve minutes. It was a struggle of the most severe 
character, but after about fifteen minutes he submitted to being 
poled. We next subjected him sharply to the Second Method, 
reversing a few times, and now making the impression sufficiently 
strong to submit unconditionally. The rest of the treatment was 
the same as previously described. When harnessed, he resisted 
control of the mouth very hard, but finally came back to its 
restraint, and was driven before the class with entire success. As 
this was a well-known case, I requested that he be taken to the 
adjoining town the next day afterward, where, after a little 
repetition of treatment, he was hitched up and driven in the street 
perfectly gentle, when he acted just as docile and manageable as 
any family horse. 

A six-year-old horse of about the same character, near Lake 



THIRD CLASS. 



165 



Champlain, N. Y., had been badly frightened, and was utterly un- 
manageable. We had a large, roomy place, giving us opportunity 
to use the Second Method with safety, and dependedupon it mainly, 
requiring but very little treatment with the Third Method. This 
was a splendid subject, fighting every point very hard, but finally 
submitting unconditionally. The First Method could have been 
used with decided advantage, had we had a good place. 

I will refer to one more among this class. The Hetrick horse, 
referred to on page 149, was perhaps as fine an illustration of a 
thoroughly vicious horse as I ever handled, and as good an example 
of successful treatmentas I have ever given. The difficulty was to 
get this horse, but after being able to do so, he submitted readily to 





Fig. 218. — Expression of most 
Obstinate Cases. 



Fig. 219.— Most Difficult Type of 
Cliaracfer to Break. 



the Second and First Methods, his resistance being characteristic 
of the mustang, striking, kicking, and snorting with great violence. 
The Third Method could not safely be used upon him. 

The best illustrative case showing extreme resistance excited 
from fear, all things considered, was that referred to on page 1-4-1. 
This horse, though nine years old, was a perfect maniac in his ac- 
tions. He even could not be harnessed, and his management was 
one of the clearest in showing the good effect of proper treatment 
of any I ever handled in all my experience. This case could not 
have been broken in any ordinary building with a hard floor. In 
fact, to be successful it was necessary to have every condition fa- 
vorable. To handle this case safely, I was obliged to go eight miles, 
as I could not get a suitable dace to handle him short of this ; but 
the result was perfectly successiui. 



166 



KICKIXG. 




J^n-J ' 



Fig. 220. — Extreme of Bad Character. 

part repeated until there is certainty 
of his being safe. 

I think it advisable, in conclusion, 
to refer to a specially serious case 
where I came very near failing on ac- 
count of being unable to use treat- 
ment suited to the temperament, 
mainly to show the importance in 
critical cases of using such treatment 
as the case will best bear. A man I 



Now, the point in the man- 
agement of those cases, as will 
be noticed, was in applying 
treatment properly, being 
careful, and making the treat- 
ment sufficiently thorough 
until successful. I was in all 
cases in the habit of making 
the after-treatment such as to 
win the confidence of the 
horse, so that when I did 
succeed I had the subject 
perfectly cool and quiet, yet 
entirely gentle. As before 
stated, the horse must often 
be carefully tested, and if 
necessary the treatment in 





Fig. 222.— Sullen Nature. 



Fig. 221.— Ideal of Bad Character. 

had started in the business, 
who had traveled with con- 
siderable success for several 
jears, visited New York, 
where his success attracted 
considerable attention. A 
very fine-blooded horse, of 
specially vicious character, 
was brought in for treat- 
ment, with orders to this 
man to break him or kill 
him, horse was not worth 
an}-thing unless he could be 
broken. Everything was 



THIllD CLASS. 



16: 



done to this case for a week 
to subdue him or so break 
him down that he could not 
resist, but the horse being 
one of great vitality and 
courage, the man was unable 
to subdue him, and gave 
him up, stating that he 
could not be broken. Cir- 
f ^^/; -is-'^ \'''' cum^tances required that I 

v^^ ^al^' \ should give special experi- 

ments in New York, and 
this case was selected as the 
best subject to experiment 
upon first. I had pledged myself to forfeit one thousand dollars if 
I could not subdue in forty minutes any horse that could be" pro- 
duced, and in the limits of a box-stall, without throwing, exciting, 




Fig. 223.— The Malone Horse. 




Fig. 224. — An Incident of the Malone Horse. Result of an Effort by 
a Horse-breaker to Drive Him. 



o» whipping him, and this was supposed to be the best test case 
that could be found. 

I knew this man would use the First Method, and supposed also 



16S 



KICKING. 



that he would use the Second, as it was a part of the treatment I 
had instructed him in ; but not being a man of much ingenuity, he 
could not catch the points of its success, and did not practice it. I 




Fig. 225. — The Malone Horse as Driven Next Day after Treatment, on the Square, 
without Bridle, Reins, or Breeching. 



knew the class of horses that must resist this treatment, and that 
the points were decidedly in my favor to be able to control him by 
the Third ^Method, which I had kept up to that time a secret. To 

my surprise, when the case was 
produced, I found it was not at all 
suitable for the Third Method ; but 
as I had promised to control the 
case by treatment they had never 
seen, and supposing also that they 
had seen the Second Method, I was 
forced to do the best I could with 
the Third. The case, as I sus- 
pected, resisted it very violently, 
the features of serious objection 
being his showing the true mus- 
tang nature, striking desperately, 
and biting upon the cords. I how- 
ever succeeded in making the case 
gentle, and making what appeared 




Fig. 226.— The Hettrick Horse after 
being Subdued. 



THIRD CLASS. 



169 



to be a great success ; but both cheeks were so bruised that 
I knew when he became cool, they would be sore and appear 




seriously injured. I kept the horse in my possession, until the In- 
flammation subsided, when I subjected him to the Second Method, 



170 



KICKING. 



not requiring in all more than fifteen minutes, and made him per- 
fectly gentle. Could I have used this Method in the first place, I 
could have controlled him without the least injury or excitement 
in about thirty minutes. I refer to this case to show how nice a 
point it is to use the treatment adapted to the case, and the temper- 
ament must determine this. 

SwiTCHixG Kickers. 

When a horse is greatly excited and irritated by fear or abuse, 
his nervous system is liable to become so sensitive that he will 
squeal and switch. This is more common to mares, which are more 
impressible than horses ; consequentl)', when badly spoiled, they are 
more difficult to break. In this form it becomes involuntar\- resist- 




FiG. 228. — The Hettrick Horse as Driven in the Street next Day. 

ance, or a species of insanity, and in extreme cases very difficult to 
overcome. The point is, if possible, to make a sufficiently strong, 
counteracting impression to overcome this. Very much will depend 
upon how much the nervous system has been shaken, and the pecul- 
iarity of disposition. Some of the worst kickers I have ever handled 
were colts which had been greatly frightened and abused in break- 
ing. The course I pursue with such is about as follows : — 

If the case is one that will bear impressing sufficiently to over- 
come the kicking, I subject to regular treatment as advised for ordi- 
nary cases, directing my attention particularly to accustoming the 
quarters to being touched. Failing in this, I use direct means of re- 
straint, such as the kicking-straps or overdraw checks. The kick- 
ing will now punish so severely that there will soon be fear to repeat 
it. The straps should be used in driving for some little time after 
the inclination to kick is overcome. 



KICKING - STRAPS. 



171 




Fig. 229.— Stevens Horse after 
being Subdued. 



Kicking-Straps. 

These straps should be cut at least two inches wide ; they 
should be made of two thicknesses of good harness leather, sewed 
together and fitted so they will come nicely around the leg between 
the fetlock and gambrel. There should be 
a strong wrought-iron D stitched on the 
front sides. The insides should be lined 
with soft, thin leather, or buckskin, to pre- 
vent chafing the leg. If no Patent Bridle 
is available, use a strong, well-fitting halter, 
with the strap passing back between the 
legs over the belly-band ; or it may be at- 
tached to the belly-band by a piece of rub- 
ber. Next, take a strong hempen cord, not 
less than five eighths of an inch in diameter, 
firmly wound, or a good piece of leather 
made round like a rein, run it through a 
pulley or ring attached to the halter-strap 
a little back of the belly-band, and extend 
to the rings of the foot-straps. The point 
is to have the rig so regulated that the position of the horse will 
be perfectly natural in traveling ; but should he run or kick, both 
legs coming back at once brings the whole force directly upon the 
nose. The straps should be kept on until the pain caused by the 
kicking makes the horse so much afraid to kick that he will not re- 
peat it. 

Sometimes the straps are connected with the bit so that the 
horse will kick directly against the mouth. But this is objectionable 

because when the kicking is 
severe against the mouth it 
will be cut and bruised, be- 
sides it is liable to break the 
jaw. Even when kicking 
against the nose, by the re- 
straint of the halter, there is 
possible danger of injuring 
the spinal cord at the junct- 
ure of the head with the spinal 
column. I never had an ac- 
cident occur from such a 
cause, though I used the treat- 
FiG. 230.— The Ravenna Colt. ment a great deal in my early 




172 



KICKING. 



experimenting. I have heard of one case in Maine of a horse break- 
ing his jaw by kicking against the bit, and one in Ohio, killed by the 
severity of the shock upon the neck. 

It will be found then when the horse kicks against the mouth or 
nose, he will soon learn to throw the head down to give greater 
length between it and the legs, as this destroys the force of the blow. 
With the use of the Patent Bridle the force of the kicking throws the 
head up, and at the same time punishes with such severity that 
there will not be much inclination to repeat it, and the habit will 
soon be overcome. 




Fig. 231. — Kicking-strap as Arranged for Use. 



Twenty years ago, a very bad mare defied my utmost efforts to 
stop her kicking, and as a matter of experiment I passed a rope from 
the bit to the hind leg below the fetlock, and thence back to the op- 
posite side of the bit, and held it in my hand while I excited her to 
kick. After a few repetitions she gave up unconditionally. By this 
means I succeeded in breaking her of the habit, but the rope chafed 
and tore the skin so badly upon the legs that I had much trouble in 
curing them. To guard against this in other cases, I put on straps 
to which I attached rings, and passing the rope through them as be- 
fore, I irritated her to kick, repeating until there was submission. 
But as this could not be carried out in driving, the kicking-straps, 
with the connection made to the bit, were devised ; after which the 
pulley arrangement was added. These straps are best adapted to 



OVERDRAW CHECK. 



173 




kickers with the nervous system so weakened that the habit is in a 
great measure involuntary. 

Overdraw Check. 

The overdraw check can be modified in various ways, according 
to the case. Sometimes a simple overdraw check is all that is nec- 
essary. If more power is desired, in addi- 
tion to the check, the restraint can be car- 
ried to the hips, thence to the shafts. (See 
Fig. 235.) So that in the act of kicking, as 
the quarters are elevated, the restraint will 
be instantly brought upon the head, throw- 
ing it so high as to disable. This princi- 
ple of control was learned by the writer 
under the following circumstances : In 18B1, 
when in Henderson, Jefferson Co., N. Y., a 
half-witted fellow offered to instruct me how 
to drive any kicking, runaway horse. He 
said, " Bring the center of a slender rope of 
sufficient length to the top of the horse's 
head, and pass the ends down through the 
rings on each side of the bit, and thence back 
into the wagon as reins." I afterward used 
this means of control, and found it would work well in some cases, 
though not in all. I gave the idea to a man named Hartman, in 
Lancaster, Pa., who modified it into what was afterward known as 
the " Hartman reins," which he patented. A great improvement 
in this for kickers, is to pass the reins over the hips to the shafts 
as explained. 

Checking the head high will sometimes hold in restraint a 
strong-willed, treacherous horse, that is liable to 
lunge sideways, or pull heavily. It will usually 
work well when a horse is a little irritable, and 
simply needs a little restraint to keep him inside 
the point of resistance, the same as the tail-strap 
acts in preventing the horse from kicking by keep 
ing the tail confined and helpless. The simplest 
and best way of checking the head high is to pass 
the check rein through gag-runners, which should 
be attached to the head part of the bridle well up 
near the ears, and buckle into an extra bit, which 
is to be held up against the roof of the mouth by 



Fig. 232.— Tail-strap. 




Pig. 233.— Tail-strap 
Detactied. 



174 



KICKING. 



means of a strap passing over the nose. This form of checking the 
head up and back will be found very effective. 

A common method in use years ago for kickers was to put a 
triangular piece of iron, in form like a V, between the collar and bit 
the central point resting on the collar ; and with both ends attached 
to the rings of the bit, it held the head up in position as desired. A 
strong-headed, doubtful horse will frequently drive with entire safety 
when the head is helplessly held up in this manner ; but the check 
before referred to is the simplest and best means. 

Sometimes the horse will kick only when the rein is caught 




Fig. 234. — Simple Method of Forcing tlie Head up, and Preventing Kicking by the 
Elevation of the Hips. 



under the tail. If he is simply irritable, and hugs the rein, the eas- 
iest way to prevent it is to wind an ordinary crupper with cloth, or 
cover nicely with chamios skin, or soft leather, until one half to two 
inches in diameter, as may be necessary. (See Fig. 240.) This be- 
ing larger than the rein below makes it impossible for the horse to 
hug the rein with sufficient strength to hold it. 

When the tail becomes very sensitive from the continued 
chafing of the parts, its action becomes involuntary. In such cases 
it must be confined to make the horse safe. This can be easily done 
by buckling a small strap around it under the hair about two thirds 
down the dock, from which, on each side, extends a small strap to 
the hip-straps, and fasten short enough to prevent the tail from 
switching around and catching the reins. 

Hip-Strap. 

If the horse is irritable around the hips, but drives all right so 
long as restrained, or unable to bring the hind parts up, simply 
strapping him down will sometimes be all that is necessary to do in 



DETAILS OF THE AT ME XT. 



175 



order to use him with safety. The best way to do this is as follows : 
Attach a loop to the harness between the hip and tail ; through this 
pass a strong two-inch strap with ends attached firmly to the shafts 
on each side. There be should' pieces of leather or iron screwed to 
the under sides of the shafts to keep the ends in place. 

Two points must be kept in mind in order to be successful : 1. 
The shafts must be so stiff that they will not bend much ; 2. The 
strap over the hip should be so strong that it will not break, and 
just tight enough to be drawn straight when in place, but not so 
long as to give any freedom to raise the hips. 




Pig. 235. — The Horse as Disabled when there is an Effort to Kick. 

FouK-RiNG Bit. 

The four-ring bit by its power will sometimes throw the nose 
up, and occasionally make a doubtful, headstrong horse drive all 
right ; but it is the best adapted for the management of headstrong 
luggers. Sometimes a strong-headed puller that cannot be held by 
an ordinary bit will drive gentle with this. The effectiveness of this 
bit is in the pressure of its center against the roof of the mouth. As 
made heretofore, when pulled upon very hard, these rings would 
slide in so far as to prevent the desired purchase against the palate. 
To prevent this, I devised the slot, or obstruction. 

Sometimes the Patent Bridle will work quite well in the man- 
agement of kickers. 



176 



KICKING. 



For the Breaking Rig, see illustration with description in first 
chapter. 

It may be asked, "Is there any medicine by which you can 
make a horse gentle ? " See " Medicine " in " Subjection." 

Kickers in Stall. 

In the first place, for the management of kickers in the stall, a 
great deal depends upon the size of the stall and the adroitness of the 
man in approaching the horse. A very narrow stall makes it some- 
what difficult, if not dangerous, to approach even many gentle 
horses. Such stalls are not only an abomination for the increased 
danger and inconvenience they cause in going around a horse, but 
for not affording sufficient freedom for the 
horse to lie down and step around. It is 
no reason for stalls being so constructed be- 
cause somebody who should know better 
makes them so. If the stall is large, there 
will be better opportunity to keep out of 
reach, and, unless the horse is very vicious, 
there will be no difficulty in going around 
him with comparative safety. 

Then, much depends upon the character 
of the man. A courageous, determined horse 
soon learns to become aggressive toward a 
naturally timid man who seems afraid to ap- 
proach him. If a horse is very vicious in 
^■1^!L u"!!!"*" "' his stall, he is like any other dangerous brute 
upon which nothing short of a thorough 
course of subjective treatment will produce any impression. But 
if irritable or cunning, a sharp lesson with the War Bridle until he 
will follow promptly will usually be sufficient ; after which it may be 
left on for a day or two. 

The treatment for all ordinary cases should be about as fol- 
lows : First, put on the War Bridle, second form, which may, if the 
case is stubborn, be turned into the Double-Draw Hitch Form, and 
make him feel its power sufficiently to follow promptly. Lead him 
into the stall, and while holding the cord, step in and out repeatedly, 
making him, during the time, keep his hind parts turned in the op- 
posite direction. This treatment may be accompanied by giving 
apples, etc. 

If the case is important, and it is desired to be very thorough, 
after putting on the halter, put on the War Bridle, second form. 




Fig. 23G 

Controlling the Head. 



KICKERS IN STALL. 



Ill 




Fig. 237.— Fig. 236 in Use. 



with the part going througn the mouth running through the rings on 
either side of the halter to keep it in place, and the part over the 
head well back upon the neck. Now pass the cord back to the end 
of the stall and tie to a 
ring or post, leaving it 
sufficiently long to give 
the horse room to step 
around as usual when 
tied by the halter. 
When it is desired to 
go in, if he does not 
step around at com- 
mand, untie the cord 
and give a sharp pull 
upon it, which will 
bring the head around, 
throwing the hind parts to the opposite side, when he can be ap- 
proached with safety. This may be repeated when first put on for 
a few times, to teach the idea of stepping around when commanded. 
After a few repetitions he will soon learn, when approached and 
commanded, to step around. 

There is a great sleight in 
approaching vicious horses 
when in stalls, the disregard 
of which may sometimes 
cause a naturally gentle 
horse to kick if approached 
or touched unexpectedly. 
First, no matter how gentle 
a horse is, there should be 
no effort to go near or ap- 
proach before attracting his 
attention by speaking to 
him. If at all doubtful, the 
course should be about as 
follows : When behind, a 
little to the near side, look 
directly at the horse's head and say sharply, " Get around ! " re- 
peating until the eye is caught. A great deal depends upon the 
expression of confidence and authority shown. An intelligent, 
courageous horse will discern instantly any lack of confidence or 
power, and become correspondingly aggressive. 




Fig. 238.— a Noted Vicious Kicker. 



178 



KICKING. 



At first the horse may look back and try to measure your 
strength and be disposed to question your advance. It will be a 
matter of will power now. Look at him with all the firmness you 
can, and repeat the " Get around ! " with the most thorough vim of 
expression. If a man of any nerve, but few horses will disobey. If 
he steps around, no matter if the ears are put back and the eyes 
partly closed, showing an inclination to kick, there will seldom be 




Fig. 339. — A Simple Method of Keeping the Head Elevated to Prevent 
Kicking while Driving. 



much danger. The eye kept firmly upon that of the horse, will dis- 
cover any movement almost before it is made ; so reach the end of 
the stall fronting the horse, with head slightly turned to hold the 
eye, and make a quick, gliding leap or long step toward the shoulder. 
After getting well forward of the hips there will be little danger ; 
watching the opportunity in this way, and moving quickly, will per- 
mit getting beyond reach of danger before the horse can kick. 

This is really the only secret of getting around or into the stall 



KICKING WUILE HARNESSING. 179 

of a doubtful horse without getting hurt. (See chapter on "Stall- 
ions.") By observing closely, the intentions of the horse will always 
be revealed by the expression of the eye and his actions. Danger is 
shown by the ears being thrown back, eyes partly closed, lips drawn 
back, and mouth perhaps partly open. If the horse will not move 
when commanded, but holds his position firmly, especially if one 
having a dark, lurking eye set well into the head, thick eyelids, and 
heavy ears, the character is treacherous, and needless risks should nbt 
be hazarded. What such a horse does he will do quickly without 
warning. But if he seems to yield, no matter how bad he is, and 
there is quickness in getting into the stall, as explained, there will 
be but little danger. 

I have frequently been able to go into the stalls of horses that 
were very dangerous, and have never been 
kicked or hurt while doing so. Many times 
the horse would kick the stall, but by a sharp, 
ringing command sufficient to disconcert, and 
by jumping quickly, I could always get to the 
shoulder or head without being touched. In 
many cases I have been compelled to take the 
chances from necessity ; but by observing 
these precautions, and calculating my chances 
carefully, I would be able to get by, though at 

the instant of doing so the horse would kick 

,v ,. n u u- J Fig. 240.— Crupper as 

the stall behmd me. ,., . . „ /^ . ..■ 

Wound to Prevent Catching 
When desirmg to get out, pull the head ,^g pgj^_ 

around after, bringing _ the hind parts well 

around to the opposite side. The instant the halter is let go, step 

or spring beyond reach. 

While Harnessing. 

The habit of kicking while harnessing is always the result of 
carelessness or bad treatment. Were the horse treated kindly and 
the harness put on gently until accustomed to it, there would be no 
trouble. Not being accustomed to the breeching or the crupper 
under the tail, a sensitive horse is liable to kick when feeling press- 
ure upon those parts. I have frequently found horses gentle after 
the harness was on, yet they would kick violently when the attempt 
was made to put it on ; while others would kick only after it was 
on. All that is necessary to do in such cases, is to put on the War 
Bridle, and after giving a few sharp pulls with it, hold firmly in the 
left hand, and while keeping it taut upon the month, with the right 




180 



KICKING. 



spread the harness gently over the back and hips. The pressure of 
the cord upon the mouth will hold the attention of the horse sufiR- 
ciently to allow putting the crupper under the tail and buckling. 

To break up the habit, it may be necessary to repeat this treat- 
ment two or three times, punishing sharply for any resistance, and 
encouraging by kind treatment for allowing it to be put on and off 
as desired. After gaining the attention by the War Bridle, it may 
be drawn down and tied as in cut 119, page 86, but not kept so more 
than thirty seconds to a minute ; after which the harness can be put 
on or off as desired. It is very important in these cases to associate 
kindness with the treatment by giving apples, etc. 




Fig. 241. — As a Bad Case of this Character will Usually Resist before Treatment. 



Resistance to having the collar put on, or the neck touched in 
consequence of having been made sore, is sometimes a formidable 
difficulty, as the horse may show great viciousness, striking or kick- 
ing violently. If the treatment named is not sufficient, then more 
force must be used ; but with care, the War Bridle will be found 
sufficient. In such cases, attention must be given to having the 
collar large enough to permit putting easily over the head. Or if 
an open collar, it should be unbuckled and put on quietly over the 
neck. In addition, particular attention should be given to curing 
the parts, if sore. A great point also in the management of such 
cases is in winning the confidence of the horse to bear having the 
sensitive parts touched by scratching the mane and other parts, and 
imperceptibly approaching the sensitive parts until it is borne ; 
then follow by caressing, giving apples, etc. 



BAD TO BRIDLE. 



ISl 



There may be cases also where resistance to the harness upon 
the hips, or crupper under the tail, will be very violent. In such 
cases a regular course of subjection may be necessary. One of the 
worst cases the writer ever handled was of this character, compel- 
ling to resort to the First, Second, and Third methods, which were 
In part repeated to break him of the habit. 

Kicking and Biting while Grooming. 

The habit of kicking and biting while grooming, is in all cases 
the result of bad treatment. A sharp curry-comb or card is raked 
recklessly over the legs and belly, regardless of cutting into the 
skin. The horse may 
snap, kick, and almost 
lie down upon the 
ground in the effort 
to avoid or relieve the 
pain ; but no more at- 
tention is given to this 
than to kick and pound 
as a means of compel- 
ling to stand quietly. 
Sharp curry-combs, or 
any instrument that 
will hurt, should not be 
used upon such horses. 
Should the horse be 
over-sensitive, the re- 
sult of former bad treat- 
ment, restrain a little 
with the War Bridle 
until he will submit to 
being cleaned as directed. In such cases, it is always advisable 
to commence at an insensible part, and work gradually to the part 
at which the grooming is resisted. 

Bad to Bridle. 

Most horses will submit readily to be bridled, by giving a short 
lesson with the War Bridle, and tying down as explained, when the 
bridle can be put on or off as desired. Care should be taken to 
have the bridle large and easy fitting. As there is submission, give 
more freedom until there is no resistance. Should the horse show 
viciousness, and resist this treatment, then subject to Second 




Fig. 242.- 



-As the Horse will Stand Quietly to be Har- 
nessed after Treatment. 



182 KICKING. 

Method, and while tied, handle the head and put on the brible 
When untied, restrain with the cord, being careful in such cases to 
work gently, rewarding liberally for obedience. Able once to take 
off or put on the bridle without force, repeat for some time, holding 
the attention by giving apples, etc. Such a horse should be bridled 
with care for some time, to outgrow the sensibility. 



Chapter VI. 



RUNNING AWAY. 

THOUGH the treatment for this habit is, to a great extent, given 
under the heads of " Kicking " and " Fear," yet in bad cases it 
is liable to be so troublesome to manage that I deem it neces- 
sary to consider it more definitely here. The main point is to make 
the mouth manageable to the restraint cf the bit. But if there is 
much viciousness or resistance, it is necessary to tone it down or 
overcome it by a general course of subjection, when the control of 
the mouth can be made more easy and 
certain. For example : A nervous, ex- 
citable colt, so unmanageable as to be 
both difficult and dangerous to put in 
shafts by any control that could be 
brought upon the mouth, after a proper 
course of subjective treatment which 
would overcome his fear and excitement, 
would be found to offer but little re- 
sistance to the control of even a common 
bit. The effect is the same in the 
management of headstrong, runaway 
horses, moved by some special cause 
of excitement, such as the rattling of a 
wagon or other object. 

There are three principles of con- 
trolling the mouth : 1. By training, as 
done with the Breaking Bit ; 2. By a 
form of bit that will prevent the horse 
from pulling against it, on account of 
the pain it may cause ; 3. By obtaining such power upon the mouth 
and head as will control the horse directly. 

Of course these conditions run more or less into each other in 
the different forms of bits given, the point in all cases being to use 
such a form of bit or method of treatment as will safely and easily 
effect the control desired. The Breaking Bit is undoubtedly the best 
for making a hard mouth submissive and flexible. The Half-moon 

(1S3) 




Fig. 243.— The Patent Bridle. 



ISi JiU.VXI.YG AWAY. 

Bit will in many cases also work well. Its thin, bearing surface, 
when pressed hard against, hurts so keenly that but few horses will 
have the nerve to resist it. The Spoon Bit also, in many cases, 
works excellently by the pressure it brings upon the jaws laterally, 
thereby making it a good form of bit for cases that will not rein 
easily, or that will pull on one side. Next comes the Four-ring Bit, 
which, with its improvement, is a very simple but powerful means of 
controlling doubtful, headstrong, lugging horses. It is particularly 
well adapted for the easy driving of side-reiners. The fourth and last 
is the Patent Bridle, which has been designed by me especially for 
the direct control of headstrong, runaway horses. 

The power of the Patent Bridle is so great that when properly 
adjusted it is very difficult for a horse to make any prolonged resist- 
ance to it. It acts in three important ways : First, in its most se- 
vere form it will produce such intense pain in connection with its 
great power upon the mouth, that it is very difficult for the most 
courageous horse to resist its restraint ; second, in proportion to 
the resistance, if any, it brings such a pressure upon the spinal cord 
that it becomes difficult to bear up against it for any length of time ; 
third, its impression is so great upon the nervous system that should 
it be resisted hard for some time, there will rarely be any inclination 
to pull against it afterward. 

It is proper to add that these combinations and forms of bits 
may be varied in different ways to an almost unlimited degree. 
Properly used, great results can be accomplished with the Breaking 
Bit alone, as before explained. It requires more work, but is the 
only bit I have found that works satisfactorily in making the mouth 
sensitive to the control of an ordinary snaffle bit. As will be no- 
ticed in the chapter on " Kicking," it was by the use of this bit that I 
was able to perform my best results in the control of runaway kickers. 
If the mouth is stiff and hard, and it is desired to make it flexible, 
put on the harness with this bit in the bridle, run the reins through 
the shaft-bearers, and get directly behind. Now slowly move the 
horse on a moderate walk, and suddenly call, " Whoa ! " following 
instantly with a quick, raking jerk upon the reins. Repeat at short 
intervals, until at the moment the command is given the horse will 
stop instantly to avoid the hurt of being pulled upon. Then gradu- 
ally increase the gait to a fast trot or run, making him stop as 
before. 

At this point it is necessary to be very thorough. There should 
be no half-way work. The submission must be of the most pro- 
nounced character. After this is done in harness, so that when tlic 



THE PATENT BRIDLE. 



185 



horse is put on a keen trot or run, he will stop instantly without 
being pulled upon. Then, when hitched to a wagon, repeat slowly 




until he can be let out on a rapid trot or keen run, and will stop in- 
stantly at the least intimation of the command to do so, and this to 
be done without the breeching-straps being buckled. He must 



186 ItUNXING A WA Y. 

show the most thorough submissiveness when everything is appar- 
ently wrong. 

In most cases the horse will submit in from ten to fifteen 
minutes ; but if badly set in the habit, and plucky, the resistance 
may be so strong that this cannot be done in one lesson. The 
difficulty is, if the horse warms up very much, the sensibility of the 
mouth becomes so blunted or destroyed that he will bear the 
severest pulling upon without flinching. Then the best plan will 
be to put him away until cool, when by a few minutes' repetition of 
the treatment the mouth will usually be found so sensitive that 
he will submit unconditionally. In this way it can be determined 
how much to do without danger of harm. This point accom- 
plished, hitch to a wagon, and repeat the same treatment. The 
course pursued by the writer, as before explained, is to let the horse 
go a few steps, call "Whoa ! " and give a sharp, raking jerk to force 
him back a little. Repeat so far as necessary to establish the point 
of stopping and coming back, then, as before, let out a little faster 
until proved safe when on a fast trot or run. This point is to be 
made very thoroughly. If it is thought advisable, the bit can be 
left on for a few days in driving, but usually this will be unnecessary ; 
for if the horse is properly trained, he can be controlled b}- an 
ordinary snaffle bit. 

The Half-Moon Bit. 

The Half-moon Bit, an illustration of which is given, will some- 
times work very nicely upon headstrong pullers. It seems to work 
best when the head is well checked up, as shown in Fig. 246. The 
bit is very simple, merely a circular mouth-piece, with the inner 
part filed down to about the thickness of the back of an ordinary 
knife-blade, and rounded to prevent cutting. This makes the bear- 
ing surface against the mouth so narrow that even the most plucky 
horse will not have the nerve to pull very hard against it, while its 
circular form prevents pulling sideways. It should, however, be 
tried cautiously upon a dangerous horse. 

Spoon Bit. 

The Spoon Bit is so constructed as to bring the edges of two 
flanges, when pulled upon, upon each side of the lower jaw. Fine 
illustrations of this are given in Figs. 247 and 248. In some cases 
of badly trained mouths, or of moderately headstrong horses, it will 
be found to work very nicely. One point of advantage is its mild- 
ness, it being only a simple snaffle bit until resisted. It works espe- 



SPOON BIT. 187 

cially well in the management of horses that rein hard. It is not a 




bit that is adapted for headstrong, dangerous lungers, as it does not 
give sufficient power for such cases. 



188 



nUNXIXG A WA Y. 




Fig. 246. 



¥/ 

-The Half-moon Bit Adjusted. 



A valuable form of bit, and one which works exceedingly 
well for the control of some headstrong, pulling horses, is a 

simple bar made flat 
or concave on one side, 
and rounded on the 
other, from five eighths 
to three fourths of an 
inch wide, with a piece 
of rounded leather in- 
side the ring on each 
end, as shown in Figs. 
249 and 250. The flat 
or concave side is used 
when the horse pulls, 
or is inclined to resist 
the bit. When the 
mouth is sensitive and 
manageable, simply- 
turning the rounded 
side against the jaw makes it extremely easy on the mouth. The 
length must be regulated to the size of the mouth, or about the 
average length of driving-bits. 

FouR-RixG Bit. 

The Four-ring Bit, Figs. 123, 124, full explanation of which is 
given in Chapter II., page 94, which can be referred to, is peculiar in 
respect to the sensibility it causes upon the mouth. While it is not 
a bit that gives much direct power, the effect is such that but few 
horses, outside of lunging, runaway horses, can successfully pull 
against it. Hence a horse that with an ordinary bit may pull so 
hard as to make it extremely difficult to restrain or control him, 
more especially one that as he warms up will pull harder, will some- 
times scarcely pull at all upon this bit, driving so easily as to hardly 
straighten the r^ins. 

It is not, however, to be risked too much in the driving of a 
really dangerous horse ; for, as before stated, its success depends 
more upon the sensibility it causes upon the roof of the mouth than 
upon any real power it otherwise gives. Consequently, should the 
horse lunge recklessly against the bit, the pain it inflicts not being 
sufficient to hold him in check, he is liable to get away. When 
used upon a doubtful horse, he should be carefully tested with it, 
first by driving around a little in harness, then as described in the 



THE PAT EXT BRIDLE. 



189 



use of the Half-moon Bit. The foot-strap may be used to enable 
testing the horse sufficiently hard to know with certainty to what 
degree he will submit to the restraint. This bit also works very 
nicely on side-reiners, or those that pull on one rein. 




Fig. 247. — First Form of Spoon Bil. Easy on the IWoutti. 

Patent Bridle. 

• The Patent Bridle, described on page 1S4, is undoubtedly the 
most powerful means yet introduced of controlling a headstrong, 
runaway horse. It does not require any practice or work other 
than fitting the head-piece and bridle to the head, and setting the 
horse back a few times. It gives two important points of advan- 




FiG. 248.— Second Form of Spoon Bil. Gives More Power. 

tage : First, it is as any common bit in the mouth until resistance 
is excited, when by an ordinary pull such power is brought upon the 
mouth that the strongest horse cannot well resist it ; second, it 
brings direct pressure upon the spinal cord so as to affect the whole 
nervous system most forcibly, and break up the inclination to pull ; 
so that when a horse submits to it once, he will usually drive with an 
ordinary bit and slack rein. This is one of the most important 
secrets in making a horse safe in harness. Now when everything 



190 



JIU.WVLVG A ]rA V. 



is all right, it is reasonably presumed that a horse must be safe. It 
is a point of testing up to the point of what the horse will usually 
bear, repeatedly. There must be no nonsensical timidity or mock 
sentiment shown in doing this. The greatest humanity is to make 
the horse as safe as possible to those using him. 




Fig. 249— Slightly Rounded, or Flat, 
when not Desired to be Severe. 



Concave, with Edges Rounded, when 
More Severity is Required. 



Lugging, or Pulling upon One Rein. 

The quickest and simplest way to break up this habit is to put 
on the Breaking Bit, also the First Form of the War Bridle. But 
instead of bringing the cord through the mouth, bring it through the 
rings of the bit. Pull sharply on one side opposite that on 'which he 
lugs, until he will bring the head around freely without being pulled 
upon. Now tie up the cord, take down the reins, and drive around. 
If he pulls in the least, repeat the lesson, until he learns to yield 




Fig. 250.— Rounded Side of the Bar. 



promptly to the restraint of the reins, when he ought to drive to an 
ordinary bit ; or the Breaking Bit can be kept on for a day or two. 
This treatment will make that side of the mouth as tender and sub- 
missive to restraint as the opposite, and he will pull evenly. 

The Spoon Bit and Four-ring Bit, just referred to, work espe- 
cially well for this habit. 

Will not B.\ck. 

This is the result of bad training of the mouth. Ordinarily it 
is a very simple habit to manage, but I have found a few cases ex- 



WILL XOT BACK. 191 

ceedingly stubborn and difficult to break. First, in the manage- 
ment of colts. If a colt is very young, or of a cold-blooded, sullen 
nature, he will usually sulk and resist the bit when pulled upon to 
back. With the Breaking Bit, however, it is a very simple matter 
to do in most any case of this kind. During my early experience, 
I usually made this point by putting on the War Bridle, first form, 
and standing at the shoulder, then giving a sharp, quick jerk side- 
ways and back, and thus repeating until forced to go back a little, 
then stood in front and pulled back moderately until the point was 
made. Another method, practiced upon such cases by me with suc- 
cess, was, to put on a foot-strap and surcingle ; instead of putting 
the strap over the belly-band, bring it forward, then, after the foot 
is pulled up, press back gently upon the head, at the same time let- 
ting the foot go down ; it will be put down about ten inches back of 
the other, making a short step backward. This is to be repeated 
until the colt will go back freely. Another excellent method was 
taking an ordinary jack-knife, or the end of a stick brought to a dull 
point, and press gently back inside the shoulder blade, at the same 
time pressing back upon the head gently. The colt will usually go 
back to free himself from the pain, when caress and repeat. 

I have used all these methods with success. When I caught the 
point of training the mouth with the Breaking Bit, I practically 
abandoned the palliative methods, and depended entirely upon them, 
by training the mouth as described under that head in Colt Training. 
Extremely bad runaways would sometimes resist the bit in the most 
desperate manner. It was not unusual for horses of this character 
to pull from two to three men on a walk, even against the Breaking 
Bit, with the recklessness of insanity. Such horses were usually sub- 
mitted to the restraint of the bit freely until excited, the very point 
that had to be overcome. Now we managed all these cases by simple, 
sharp little jerks, as explained under the head of " Running Away," 
and repeating. If the horse became warmed up and sullen, which 
would destroy the sensibility of the mouth, we would stop, and repeat 
after he became cool, when, of course the sensibility of the mouth 
would be greatly increased, then repeat until there would be perfect 
submission. The principle is the same in teaching an extremely bad 
colt to back. There is quite a sleight in using this bit in these bad 
cases. It is, when directly behind, with the reins loose enough to 
come on each side of the quarters, to give such a quick, energetic 
pull that the horse is brought back before he can concentrate his 
will to resist. It should be a little series of surprises in this way. 
Let him stand quietly, and suddenly give a sharp little raking pull. 



192 KUNNIXG AWAY. 

at the same time repeating the word "Back." I have often been 
able in this way to take horses that seem to be very bad, and lift 
them bodily from the ground backward in a few minutes. This will 
usually work well with warm-blooded horses. If the case is of a 
cold-blooded nature, eye small, eyelid thick, long from eye to ear, 
the eye well into the head, if a large boned, strong horse, you have 
one that will fight like a bulldog. If possible, the point is to get 
him off his feet the first time. Should he become a little warm, stop 
and repeat ; at any rate, keep on until successful. There should be 
no exception — we never had one. We had cases that would resist 
very hard, and required two or three lessons, but we never found a 
case that we could not break. Be careful not to cut or bruise the 
tongue. 

This is the point I forgot to mention before. When the horse will 
sullenly resist the bit, you can easily bruise or cut the mouth without 
his feeling it. The treatment for bruises, should you have trouble 
in this way, is dousing heavily with cold water ; bathing with callen- 
dula is probably the most effective treatment. This remedy has 
the best effect in removing swelling, etc., that the writer has ever 
used. It seems to have the best healing effect. 

During 1869, when I was in Painesville, Ohio, a man brought in 
a runaway horse of the worst character. He stated that he would 
wager fifty dollars that if excited he could not be held by the reins, 
and wished the trial made. The Breaking Bit I then used had short 
bars, with square, twisted corners. With this in his mouth the horse 
resisted six men, or three to a rein. Upon examination of the 
mouth, I found the tongue to be very badly cut. Using callendula, 
which was given me a short time before by a practitioner in Cleve- 
land, Ohio, cured the tongue in three days. We had no trouble in 
breaking the horse with the usual treatment of the Breaking Bit. 



Chapter Yll. 



BALKING. 

IF a naturally gentle horse be hitched to a tree or other immova- 
ble object and commanded to pull, he would at first pull all he 
could ; the second time he would not pull with quite so much 
confidence as at first ; while the third or fourth time he would pull 
but little, or perhaps not at all. To whip and urge him now to pull 




Fig. 2.D1. — As the Horse will Sometimes Stand, Regardless of the 
Most Severe Whipping. 

would only start him in the habit of balking. Or, if a horse is over- 
loaded or so exhausted that he cannot pull the load, and in this 
condition is whipped and urged to go, he will balk. Or, if he starts 
too quickly, and is pulled back violently and whipped till confused 
and excited, the habit of balking is begun. Hence we see that this 
habit is purely acquired, the same as kicking and other habits, for 
which there <:an hardly be a reasonable excuse. 

Balking horses are of two kinds : Double-balkers and single- 

balkers. Balkers in single harness may be divided into two classes : 

First, horses that refuse to go at all ; second, those that will not 

pull unless given their own way. The mule and ox, and horses hav- 

13 a (193) 



194 BALKING. 

ing similarly patient, cold-blooded natures, have little inclination to 
this habit ; while nervous, warm-blooded, fine-grained horses are 
easily taught the habit. 

In teaching a colt to drive, let him go slowly at first and as he 
pleases. There should be sufficient room so as not to require short 
turns, as pulling short around before learning to rein is liable to 
confuse and irritate him to balk. If there appears any inclination to 
stop, or if he refuses to go, the driver should sit quietly in the 
wagon, fix the harness, or do anything to take up time until the 
horse gets over his fret. If he does not feel sure of his going, let 
him get out and move the colt a little to the right or left, speaking to 
him kindly, and it is rare that he will not move off without know- 
ing that he has balked. If he has an irritable disposition, and ap- 
pears unwilling to stand, particular care should be taken to teach 
him thoroughly the lesson of stopping and starting, as described un- 
der the head of Colt Training. If the habit is only partially learned, 
and especially if the colt is of a warm-blooded nature, it is by all 
means advisable to win him out of the habit by kind treatment, if 
possible. I will illustrate by referring to a peculiar case in my 
early experience : — 

I often traded horses, and not unfrcquently got very bad ones. 
Among them was a small pony mare, nine years old, — a confirmed 
balker. This I did not know until after I had traded for her. I har- 
nessed her carefully in the shafts, but she stood stubbornly. Upon 
touching her with a whip, she threw herself down. I saw at once 
that she was one of the very worst of balkers, and that in the effort 
to break her she had been subjected to a great deal of whipping and 
abuse. I unhitched her, got her up, tied up the harness and reins, 
and went into an orchard close by and filled my pockets with apples. 
I then led her to a back road not much used, and standing near 
her head with a switch in my hand, touched her lightly over the 
hips, saying, "Get up!" This caused her to start. After going a 
few steps, I called "Whoa!" at the same time pulling upon the 
reins, when she stopped, for which I gave her a piece of apple, and 
stroked her nose and head. This I repeated until she would start 
and stop at command. 

This point gained, I next untied the reins, and while standing 
at the shoulder and holding the reins slack in my hands, I repeated 
the command for starting, touching her for a few times lightly over 
the hips. At each repetition I stood a little farther back, until able 
to get directly behind her, and make her go or stop at command. I 
then took her to the top of the hill and hitched her up. This was 



BALKING SINGLE. 



195 



the critical point of the experiment, and I did not propose to take 
any chances of failure. I commenced again at her head, rewarding 
as before, until I was able to get ^on the step, and finally into the 
wagon, at, each repetition being careful to reward her, even getting 
out of the wagon to do so. It was soon quite amusing to see how 
eagerly she would reach round her head in anticipation of her re- 
ward. Now I required her to go a little farther at each time of start- 
ing, until able to drive fifteen or twenty rods ; then I took her out 
of harness, and put her in the stable. The next day I hitched her 
up again, and commenced cautiously as before, spending only a few 
minutes, but requiring her to go farther and faster until on a sharp 
trot or run. I repeated this lesson again next day until she could 

be driven as desired. The point of 
success was that I made the lessons 
short, and was careful not to do 
more at a time than she would bear. 
I could even make her stop in a 
mud-hole and stand as long as I 
wished her to, and then at com- 
mand she would pull out willingly. 
Those who knew the mare were 
quite surprised to see me drive her, 
and regarded it as a great feat. In 
reality it was no feat at all, but 
merely the result of a little patient 
management, which it is not diffi- 
cult for any one to practice. This 
mode of treatment is especially 
adapted to nervous horses that will not bear pushing. 

There is nothing that so tries a man's temper and patience as a 
sullen balker. One may resolve to be patient, but after reasonable 
efforts with kind treatment, and failing, he determines to see what a 
whip will do. Some men in anger will strike a horse over the ears, 
twist and pull his tongue severely, and yet not be able to make the 
animal flinch. A balking horse of spirit, thoroughly maddened by 
such treatment, may resist the most severe punishment. Horses 
have been known, when excited in this way, to sullenly stand even 
the burning of straw under them. The skin on the legs and body is 
so thick, and has so little sensibility, that when the blood is thor- 
oughly warmed up, the severest whipping or pounding can be 
scarcely felt, and it becomes only a means of intensifying the habit. 
The usual method of whipping, kicking the belly, hitting back of the 




Fig. 253.— Slow, Patient Nature, — not 
Disposed to Balk. 



196 HALKIXG. 

head with a club, etc., while often liable to kill or seriously injure 
the horse, can really have no beneficial effect. 

Starting the Balker. 

Sometimes very simple treatment will start a balky hprse, as 
kicking the leg lightly below the knee until he lifts his foot ; pass- 
ing a string over one of his ears, and tying it down ; letting the 
horse inhale a little ammonia or red pepper. These are very common 
tricks, and will sometimes disconcert a horse sufficiently to cause 
him to start. The following has been considered a great secret in 
the treatment of balkers, and will in some cases work with con- 
siderable success. 

Medicine. 

Take the oslets or warts growing inside a horse's leg, dry, and 
grate them fine, and keep in a tightly-corked bottle, as they lose 
their strength quickly and evaporate on being exposed to the air. 
About three-quarters of an hour before the horse is to be driven, 
blow a thimbleful from a quill into his nostrils. This has a soothing 
effect, and will cause the horse to go off all right. 

An old man who had been a successful horse-breaker, told me 
that he had used it forty years, and never failed to make a horse go 
as he desired with it ; that he seldom repeated it more than two or 
three times. When a horse takes a dislike to other horses and kicks 
at them, the oslets from a vigorous horse, or from the one ob- 
jected to, used as above, will in most cases overcome such aversion. 

Sometimes stepping before a horse and moving him to the 
right or left a little, and stroking his nose, or pulling his ears gently, 
etc., will cause him to start. Grasping both nostrils with the hand 
to prevent his breathing until he struggles for freedom, and turning 
him a little sideways at the instant of letting go, will frequently 
start quite a bad horse. Tying the tail to the cross-piece will fre- 
quently start him, as a horse will always pull by the tail. Blind- 
folding is one of the simplest and best methods of starting a stub- 
born balker. After being blindfolded, he should be allowed to 
stand a few minutes, then move him right and left a {&vi times, say 
encouragingly, "Get up," and the horse will usually pull steadily 
against the collar and move off all right. T\-ing up the fore leg, 
and compelling him to stand on three legs till tired, will usually be 
a very effectual means of starting a balker, and frequently after a 
few repetitions it will break up the habit. This method works best 
on nervous, impulsive horses. 



PALLIATIVE TREATMENT. 197 

A Maine Man's Method. 

"When a horse balks, take him out of the shafts, tie the bridle 
rein into the tail short enough to bring his body into a half circle, 
and make him go around four or five times. This will make him 
dizzy; then put him in shafts and he will go off all right. If one 
lesson will not break him, repeating it will be sure to do so." 

This is merely palliative ; it will frequently enable starting a 
balking horse, but is not by any means adequate for breaking up the 
habit. It will be seen farther on that it is part of my regular treat- 
ment for this habit. I invented it and taught it in that State nearly 
twenty-five years ago ; and the idea of managing balky horses in 
this way was given by me as a simple method of starting a horse, 
but not of breaking up the habit. 

A mare in the habit of balking, although occasionally driving 
well for weeks at a time, one day got into one of her balking tan- 
trums. Her owner, becoming angry, determined to kill her. Tak- 
ing a gun from the hands of a sportsman who happened to be 
standing near, he fired the charge of shot into the body. It did not 
kill her, and on recovering, she was put to work as usual. It was 
found afterward that whenever she balked, simply pointing a stick 
at her was sufficient to make her start at once. 

A horse employed in drawing limestone to a kiln from a quarry 
close by, was in the habit of balking. One day he refused to pull, 
and, in defiance of the strength of several men who caught and held 
the wheels to prevent the accident, backed over the precipice, falling 
about thirty feet. The cart was broken to pieces, but the horse es- 
caped with slight injury. He was put to work as usual, but was 
never known to balk afterward. 

A farmer who was once a member of my class made the follow- 
ing statement in relation to his managing a balker : He had a mare 
that would sometimes work well for a week, and then, perhaps, at a 
critical time would stand stubbornly, resisting all effort to move her. 
One day while drawing in oats she balked. After working with her 
a long while, he resolved that she should go or starve. He drove a 
stake down in the grdund, and tied her to it ; then putting a sheaf of 
oats a few rods distant, he went off. This was at ten o'clock in the 
morning. About five o'clock he returned and tried to start her, but 
she would not go. He tied her again to the post, and let her stand 
until morning. Then he unhitched her, took the reins and tried to 
start her, but she would not pull. During the afternoon he tried her 
again, when she went. Upon reaching the sheaf of oats, he let her 
eat it. He now drove her home, unharnessed and fed her, then put 



198 BALKING. 

her to work. She worked all right for a few days, and then balked 
again. This time he let her stand forty-eight hours, then fed her, 
when upon trial she went all right, and he kept her at work. She 
never balked afterward. 

Another man of much tact with horses informed me that he al- 
ways succeeded with balkers by the following treatment : When a 
horse balked, he unhitched and put him in the stall, and stationed a 
man behind him with a whip. Every minute or two the man tapped 
the horse on the quarters with a whip, just enough to annoy him. 
This was kept up for twenty-four hours, the regular feed and water 
being given. If he refused to go upon being tried, he was put back, 
and the same treatment kept up to prevent his going to sleep, until 
he would go as desired. It was rarely, after one or two lessons of 
this treatment, that a horse would not work in all right. Innumer- 
able instances of breaking very bad horses in this way have been 
brought to my notice by horsemen who have been members of my 
classes. 

It does no good, practically, to subject ahorse to treatment in a 
barn, or where not accustomed to balk. It should be carried out as 
nearly as possible where in the habit of resisting. Any means that 
will disconcert a horse when he balks is a step in the right direction. 
But if we have in addition power to move him as we wish, we have 
the key of compelling the entire submission of balkers that have de- 
fied the greatest efforts to break or drive them. This we can obtain 
by the Second Method, and other treatment here given. 

Regular Treatment. 

The course I usually pursue, and which I would advise in the 
management of bad cases, is about as follows : Put into the wagon, 
ready for use, a good strap halter, a War Bridle, a light bow whip 
that will not break, and some good apples. Hitch up the horse as if 
to make a journey, and let him go as he pleases until a level, isolated 
piece of road is reached. Now if he does not balk, provoke him 
to do so. Get out quietly, unhitch him, tie up the reins and tugs, 
put on the halter over the bridle, and subject him to Second Method 
both ways until well off his balance. If hitched up now he will be 
likely to go off all right, but will be apt to balk at some future time. 
As the object should be to effectually break up the habit, it is neces- 
sary to make the lesson very thorough. 

This treatment makes a powerful impression upon him in two 
ways : First, to convince him that there is power to make him move 
any way desired, which is the point to be established, as he docs not 



REGULAR TREATMENT. 199 

know the difference between going sideways and straight ahead. 
Second, it disconcerts him in the most powerful manner, and thus pre- 
vents or overcomes the inclination to resistance. But it is also nec- 
essary to create sufficient reserve power to force him to move should 
he again refuse to go. To do this, put on the War Bridle, first, or 
double-draw hitch form, and lift him right and left. When he 
follows promptly, change to second form. Now pull upon him side- 
ways and ahead. As he yields, gradually pull more on a line with 
the body until he will come ahead promptly. 

Next, tie up the cord loosely in the terret, take down the reins, 
run them through the shaft-lugs, and get directly behind. Say " Get 
up!" pulling one rein a little, and, if necessary, touch the quarters 
sharply with the whip. After going a short distance, call, "Whoa ! " 
If he does not stop, force him to do so by a slight pull of the reins. 
Repeat this until he will stop and start at command, then reward by 
giving some apple. Repeat the driving, stopping, and starting un- 
til he works in all right and is over the excitement of the treatment, 
then hitch to a wagon, when will come the real test. Stand near, 
and in a low, gentle tone say, "Get up!" and repeat the starting, 
stopping, and rewarding as before, until he will go as desired. If a 
very bad case, it will be necessary to make the impression as thor- 
ough and complete as possible, and it would be best to put him 
away until the next day, when he should be tried, and, so far as 
found necessary, the treatment repeated until under good control. 

Although the horse may go a few times as commanded, yet, after 
hitching to a wagon, he may balk again. If so, take down the cord, 
stand in front of him — a little to the right" or left — and give a 
sharp jerk, repeating until he will go at command. Should this be 
resisted, which is not at all improbable, repeat the previous course 
of treatment, which, in sorne cases, may be supplemented by the 
other methods of treatment. It is advisable to test the horse hard 
before putting to regular work. A great point after the coercive 
treatment, is to win his confidence by giving him apples, etc. 

Restless Balkers, or Such as will not Stand when 
Getting in or out of a Wagon. 

If, when a young horse is hitched to a wagon, he is allowed to 
start as he pleases a few times, he is liable to acquire the habit of 
becoming impatient, so that as soon as hitched up, if not allowed to 
go his own way, he may get mad and balk. Or if whipped to start 
quickly, and then pulled back upon, or if made to stand too long 
while getting into or out of a wagon, he may acquire the habit of 



200 BALKING. 

balking. A short lesson in teaching to start and stop, as directed in 
"Colt-Training," would prevent this. As it is a very common as 
well as annoying form of balking, I will include the details of a sim- 
ple treatment, which can be easily practiced by any one : — 

First, teach the horse to stand (see " Will Not Stand," page 
201) with the harness on, as explained to stand with the Breaking 
Bit ; then tie up the reins, give a good sharp lesson with the War 
Bridle, and put him in shafts. If he balks, overcome it with the War 
Bridle. If of a quick, nervous disposition, this treatment should be 
sufficient ; but if of a decidedly resolute, plucky character, regular 
coercive treatment by Second Method, etc., may be necessary. But 
as there is usually little inclination among owners to resort to co- 
ercive treatment, for the benefit of such I include the details of sim- 
ple, winning treatment : — 

Before putting the horse into the shafts, adjust the harness. 
Get directly behind, with an ordinary carriage whip touch the hips 
lightly, and say sharply, " Get up ! " After going a short distance, 
call, "Whoa! "and pull lightly upon the reins to make him stop. 
When there is prompt obedience, give a little apple, etc. Continue 
driving and stopping until a good foundation is made for the next 
step. Next, turn the carriage to face a barn or high fence, and qui- 
etly hitch the horse in ; then go to his head, caress, talk to him, and 
give him some apple. Be in no hurry, but hold his attention in this 
way several minutes. When you want him to move, walk ahead a 
little and say, " Get up ! " or " Come ! " After going a few steps, stop 
and repeat the rewarding. 

There will be less inclination to rush ahead when a barn or high 
fence is in front, and you are standing directly before him. In addi- 
tion to this, his attention is attracted by the apples. In this way re- 
peat until the obstruction is reached, when it will be easy to turn or 
back short around. Gradually get back opposite his head and shoul- 
ders, with each repetition going farther back till the wheel is reached, 
when mount the step and get into the wagon. Repeat this until the 
horse is obedient to wait for the driver to get in, stopping and start- 
ng as desired. Now drive farther, and take some one in with you 
as if to take a journey. First, drive where the horse is least likely 
to resist, but finally in front of the house, or other place, where there 
has been most trouble. The hitching and unhitching should be re- 
peated, and his attention held as before with apples, etc., in the 
meantime talking, walking around, and rattling the wagon. A little 
care should be used, especially after idle spells, to hold the attention 
by giving apples, etc., or have .«ome one stand at his head and talk 



WILL KOT STAXD. 201 

to him, but not to take up the reins until ready to start. If in a 
barn, keep the door shut until ready to start. 

Will not Stand. 

L'sually it is not difficult to teach a horse to stand unless there 
is inclination to balk. If a young horse that is simply a little im- 
pulsive, treat the same as directed for teaching colts to stand. Usu- 
ally, with an ordinary mild bit, there will be an inclination to pull 
against it and fight its restraint. If this is the case, the Breaking 
Bit can be used as follows : — 

First, with the harness on, train to stop as explained in Colt 
Training. When first hitched to a wagon, let it be away from the 
place where accustomed to be hitched. I prefer to turn the horse's 
head toward a high fence or barn, because there is less inclination to 
go ahead when such an obstruction is in view. Then get in and out 
repeatedly, occasionally giving him an apple, etc., for some time. 
Now move him around, standing him a little farther off at each rep- 
etition, and gradually more sideways, until he will stand with his 
body parallel to the barn or away from it. Next, repeat the lesson 
where in the habit of being hitched, until he will stand as desired. 

When hitched in, have the reins in the hand or within easy 
reach. The moment he starts, give a sharp pull that will make him 
stand, go to the head and stroke it for a while, then go back to the 
wheel. For the least resistance, set him back sharply with the reins. 
When desired to start, take him by the head, and, after going a few 
steps, call " Whoa ! " If he does not stop promptly, pull sharply upon 
the reins until he will do so. Reward for standing ; punish for mov- 
ing. Having once learned to stand and wait, get on the step and 
make a noise ; this submitted to, get in quietly and sit down. Re- 
peat the stopping, starting, and waiting, until the impression is fixed 
upon the mind. After he will do this properly away from the house, 
he should be taken where in the habit of resisting, and the lesson 
repeated, if necessary. 

Horses of this character are sometimes very sensitive, and re- 
quire nice management, because they are so easily taught to balk. 
The point is to impress thoroughly the idea of stopping, and make it 
so habitual that when the horse is most impulsive during cold and 
chilly weather, it will not be forgotten. A very good plan, should 
the case be a little doubtful, and seem in dartger of working into the 
habit again, would be to have some one stand in front of him, or near 
the head, and stroke the nose a little, but not touch the reins. 
This will disconcert the horse sufficiently to make him stand while 



202 BALKING. 

getting in, when by stepping out of his way he will move off quietly. 

If the Breaking Bit is not available, the following course of 
treatment, though requiring more time and care, will be found to 
work very well : Put on the foot-strap, call " Whoa ! " at the same 
time pull upon the foot-strap, which will pull the foot up and throw 
the horse upon three legs. After a few repetitions, he will stop 
rather than be pulled upon and tripped. Now put him before a 
wagon, carrying the foot-strap back as a third rein. If he starts, 
simply pull the foot from under a few times, or until he will stand as 
desired. In some cases, the foot-strap may be put on both fore feet, 
as a very determined horse may lunge forward upon three feet. If 
when one foot is taken up there is inclination to lunge forward, 
simply pull the other foot from under, which brings him forward 
upon his knees. This treatment should be given on soft, sodded 
ground, or sandy road free from stones, to avoid bruising the knees. 

Put the Breaking Bit into the bridle and commence cracking a 
whip, yelling, or anything else to attract his attention. If he moves, 
punish by jerking him back sharply, and say, " Whoa ! " Then re- 
peat, cracking the whip, etc., until he will stand quietly under the 
excitement. When he will stand while in wagon, get out and caress 
him, walk around carelessly, crack the whip, etc. The instant he 
starts, call " Whoa ! " and jerk him back again. When he will stand, 
go to his head, caress, give an apple, etc. ; so repeat the lesson until 
he will stand quietly. At first, the cause of excitement should be 
moderate, gradually increasing each time. The reins should extend 
back into the wagon over the seat, so they can be caught quickly 
when necessary. In this way the horse is made afraid to start for 
fear of being punished. If it is desired to make the effect still more 
thorough, boys can be made to run around, make a noise, etc. 

A simple way to make a horse stand without being hitched, is 
to buckle or tie a strap or cord around the near fore foot below the 
fetlock, and tie the other end around the shaft back of the cross- 
piece, bringing it short enough so that, while not interfering with 
the limb while standing, it prevents its being brought forward in the 
effort to stop or go ahead. A horse will stand quietly by spancel- 
ing the fore legs together ; that is, tying two small cords around the 
fore legs about six or seven inches apart. As soon as the horse 
finds he cannot step, he will stand quietly. 

Double Balking. 

When a horse throws himself back in the breeching sullenly, 
with his head over the other horse's neck, as if to say, " Make me go 



DOUBLE BALKING. 203 

if you can !" it will try a man's patience very much, and unless he 




knows how to overcome the difficulty, he will be likely to retaliate 
by kicking and pounding, which is likely to do more harm than 



204 BALKING. 

good. Many horses are led into this habit by badly fitting collars, 
that either choke or make the shoulders so sore that it becomes 
painful to push steadily or firmly. 

When hitched to a load, care should be used to prevent 
pulling so hard and long at a time as to get out of breath. Neither 
should a stop be made in a soft place, or where a steady, heavy pull 
to start will be required. The team should be kept fresh, and en- 
couraged by stopping often and giving the horses a chance to re- 
cover breath. In pulling up hill or very steep places, a good rest 
should be given before starting. If one or both horses become con- 
fused, and balk, let them stand until they recover fully. Then 
stand in front, take both by the head, and move them to the right 
or left. It is sometimes advisable to turn them both ways. When 
you get them to move together, say gently and encouragingly, 
"Come, boys !" or any word to which they are accustomed. Much 
depends upon the tact of the driver in bringing them up against the 
collar with assurance, and in helping them to break the force of the 
dead pull in starting, by moving partly sideways. If the wheels are 
sunk in the mud, and the power and willingness of the horses to pull 
out is doubtful, a part of the load should be thrown off; better do 
this than run the risk of spoiling the team. 

Horses compelled to pull hard should not be checked up. Let 
the head have full freedom. Sometimes a horse is so stubborn that 
he will not go, even when not required to pull any load. Always be 
governed by circumstances, such as the horse's disposition and the 
difficulty to be encountered. If of a sensitive, nervous disposition, 
try either of the following tricks, which in many cases will work 
very nicely : First, tie a strap or cord to the end of the tail, bring it 
forward between the legs and attach it to the hame ring of the gen- 
tle horse, or to the end of the pole. Tie it so short that unless the 
horse will come forward promptly to his place he will be pulled 
upon sharply. Or double a piece of cord (that used for War Bridle is 
best), pass the tail through the center, and twist the ends of the cord 
three or four times and tie to the hame ring of the gentle horse or 
to the end of the pole. Or, again, a noose may be formed of a small 
chain or rope around the body back of the shoulders, and tied to 
the end of the wagon tongue. Now when the gentle horse is made 
to start, the pull becomes so severe that it startles and disconcerts 
the balky horse from his purpose, and compels him to go ahead. 

After adjusting either of these rigs, start the gentle horse 
quickly so as to make a sharp pull upon the balker, which will sur- 
prise and force him to jump ahead. After a few repetitions, he 



BEST TREAT MEXT. 



205 



will jump ahead to avoid being hurt. If the cord under the tail 
causes the horse to kick, it should not be used. 

Best Treatment. 

First, put on (under the ordinary bridle) the Second Form of 
War Bridle, bring it under the head-piece, and, as in the case of 
balkers in single harness, pull sideways and ahead, slowly repeating 
until the horse comes freely without restraint. This lesson should 
be made very thorough. 

To prevent chafing or cutting the hands, gloves should be 
worn, or the cord may be wound around a piece of broom handle or 
other stick with which to pull upon. This done, get a stiff pole or 




Fig. 354. — Patent Bridle Used for Breaking Double Balkers. 

sappling about three or four inches in diameter, and about ten feet 
in length, or so long that it will extend about thirty inches beyond 
the horse's nose. Bore a hole about two inches from each end, and 
fasten the large end of the pole to the inside end of the gentle 
horse's singletree. When the horses are hitched up, pass the War 
Bridle through the hole at the other end of the pole, and draw it 
short enough so that when the horse is up in his place there will be 
little, if any, restraint upon him, and make fast. Next, pass a cord 
under the pole from one hame ring to the other, making both ends 
fast, and leaving it just long enough so that when both horses are 
in their natural positions, there will be no slack. Then pass an- 
other cord around the pole and tie both ends into the gentle horse's 
hame ring, regulating the length so it will hold the pole over the 
wagon-tongue in position. Or have a ring made about one half to 
three fourths of an inch larger than the pole. Attach a cord or strap 



206 BALKING. 

to connect this ring with the hame rings on each side. This holds the 
pole in position over the wagon-tongue, and is a better way than 
the first, but more troublesome to make. 

If there are stay chains on the doubletree, they should be re- 
moved, so as to give it free play. Get into the wagon (there should 
be no load) and start the gentle horse quickly. The balker of 
course refuses to go. The instant the gentle horse starts ahead, if 
the adjustment is properly arranged, his whole power is brought di- 
rectly upon the balky horse's head, compelling him to start. Find- 
ing he must go, it will usually be but a very few minutes' work to 
make him so afraid of being pulled upon and hurt, that he will be 
the first to start at the command. This accomplished, put on a lit- 
tle loading, gradually increasing it until he learns to use his 
strength reliably. To fix the impression thoroughly, it may be nec- 
essary to keep the pole on a few days. 

The Patent Bridle will be found to work very nicely in the 
management of these cases. The reins are simply reversed, so as to 
pull ahead instead of back, and tied to the end of the pole. 

This method of treatment makes the breaking of double balkers 
a very simple and easy thing to do. It gives power to force the 
horse into obedience without danger or cruelty. I will refer to a 
few cases, showing the ease with which horses of this character can 
be broken by the treatment given. 

Case No. 1. — At Great Barrington, Mass., an Irishman pro- 
posed to join my class and pay a double tuition fee, if I would prom- 
ise to break his horse of balking. I told him if he would join the 
class I would teach him the principle, and if he could not make his 
horse work perfectly gentle when he went home that evening, he could 
so report next day at West Stockbridge, where I was engaged to lec- 
ture, and I would return his money. He was extremely suspicious 
and incredulous as to my terms, but finally joined the class. The 
following day he was at the ne.xt town, so well pleased that he 
stated publicly to his friends that in ten minutes he was able to 
make the balky horse work as well as the gentle one, and that be 
could fully indorse all my statements. 

Case No. 2. — At Brunswick, Maine, a man introduced himself 
to me, and stated that he teamed for a living ; that his whole prop- 
erty was his horses ; that one of his horses balked, making his team 
worthless ; that his only object in going into the class was to break 
this horse of the habit. 

I assured him that I would put him in the way of breaking his 
horse without difficulty ; and that if he could not make him work 



OVERLOADING. 207 

and pull as desired when he went home in the afternoon, on the fol- 
lowing morning he could come to me and get his money back. Next 
day he stated that in less than ten minutes he was able to make this 
horse work just as well as the other. 

Case No. 3. — When in Northern New York, in 1876, a man in- 
troduced himself to me as an old scholar, who had attended the lec- 
tures a few years before, and desired to come into my class again. 
He said that he had not had occasion to make any use of the in- 
structions until about a year before, when, in plowing, one of his 
horses balked. He was for some time puzzled to know what to do, 
when it occurred to him to try this method of treatment. He had 
forgotten the details, but remembered the general plan. He took a 
three-fourths-inch rope, and put it on the Second Form of War Bri- 
dle, as described for balking. He next took a rail from the fence, 
and tied one end to the gentle horse's singletree ; to the other end 
he attached the rope. He then started the gentle horse, and jerked 
the balky horse out of his tracks two or three times. Using his own 
language, " That 'ere horse did n't wait to be pulled upon the second 
time, but pulled as if for life, and never offered to balk afterward, 
though I put the plow down to the beam." 

It was by mere good luck that this man succeeded, considering 
the crude, imperfect manner in which the treatment was applied. It 
is hardly safe to risk attempting to make a bad horse go directly in 
this way. He should be made to yield first to the War Bridle until 
very sensitive to its restraint, then the pole should be adjusted very 
carefully. If too short, or so limber that it will bend much, the ex- 
periment will be liable to fail. 

Overloading. 

There is a general inclination among teamsters to overload. 
This is very common in large cities. While engaged in making il- 
lustrations for this work in New York City, I daily passed through 
Fulton and other streets, and frequently took a side street to avoid 
witnessing the abuse to which horses were subjected in consequence 
of being overloaded. It was no unusual thing to see a team whipped 
severely while pulling to their utmost power, and finally compelled 
to stop for want of strength to go farther. A team never should 
be compelled to draw more than it is able to pull easily over the 
worst parts of the road. This should be the rule. The strain and 
pulling in this way will sometimes injure a horse more in a few min- 
utes than working reasonably hard all day. 

When a horse is unaccustomed to work before a wagon or plow. 



20S BALKING. 

is unsteady and easily irritated, especially in plowing, it is advisable 
to let him go around a few times before putting the plow into the 
ground. A little patience at the beginning, in this way, will fre- 
quently enable working a horse in gentle that would otherwise be 
easily spoiled. 



Chapter YIII. 



BAD TO SHOE. 

THE average of these cases are very simple and easy to manage, 
but there will occasionally be found among them horses of the 
most difficult character to control. Ordinary cases of this 
character were of almost daily occurrence, and usually required but 
a few minutes' time to make them stand gently to have the feet 
handled as desired. But we were liable at any time to have a 
horse of this character that would test our power to the utmost, 
and such cases frequently made us a great deal of trouble. In 
the chapter on "Colt-Training" I have given instructions on 




Fig. 255. — As a Vicious Horse will Sometimes Act wliile being Shod. 



handling the feet, page 108, which may be referred to in connection 
with this. 

By the use of a little patience and tact, it is rare that even very 
sensitive colts cannot be made to submit the feet to be handled and 
pounded upon as desired ; and once done, unless there is some spe- 
cial cause for disturbance, it can always be done. It is true there is 
occasionally a young horse that is naturally so wild and vicious as 
to resist all ordinary good management in the effort to take up and 
handle the feet ; but with our present methods of treatment, even 
these cases submit readily to control in a short time. 

If a colt of ordinary good character, give a short lesson with the 
First Form of War Bridle, when the feet can be taken up without dif- 
ficulty. The efficiency of this simple method of control, in making 
14 a (209) 



210 



BAD TO SHOE. 



colts submit to be ridden, led, or handled, is very remarkable ; and 
in no respect is it greater than in allowing the feet to be taken up and 
handled. Pull right and left sharply a few times with the War Bri- 
dle, or sufficiently to make the colt come around without being 
pulled upon ; then step back, holding the cord rather tight, pass the 
right hand lightly down the hip and leg to the fetlock, and lift the 
foot gently ; at the same time, with the left hand, press hard 
against the hip, so as to throw the weight of the body upon the op- 
posite leg, which will enable taking up the foot more easily. If sen- 
sitive, lift it but a few inches at first, and then let it rest again upon 
the ground ; then again slide the hand lightly down the limb, and 
lift a little higher than before, repeating until in a position to rest 
upon the knees with the gambrel under the arm. With the right 




Fig. 256.— As the Horse will Stand after Treatment. 



hand hammer the foot lightl)', put it down and take it up a few 
times, then stop and caress. 

This point made, bring the foot gently forward, in position as if 
to clinch down the nails. Should the colt at any time jerk or pull 
the foot away, let go and give a few sharp pulls with the cord, and 
go on as before until the foot can be taken up and hammered upon 
as desired. The opposite foot must be treated in the same way. 
To take up the fore foot, rest the left hand upon the shoulder, pass 
the right lightly down the limb to the fetlock, and at the instant of 
lifting the foot, as before explained, with the other hand press upon 
the shoulder to throw the weight upon the opposite leg, which will 
relax the near one, and make it easy to be taken up. Take up and 
let down a few times, tapping it lightly, and repeat until it can be 
pounded upon quite hard ; then bring forward upon the knees, and 
proceed the same as before. The foot should not be held at any 
time so long, or grasped so awkwardly, as to produce fatigue, or 



PALLIA TI VE THE A TMEXT. 



211 



frighten so that it would excite inclination to pull away. By being 
careful at first but little difficulty will be experienced in making any 
ordinary colt submit the feet to be taken up and hammered upon as 
desired. Should the colt be so wild or vicious as to resist the War 
Bridle, subject to Second Method until so dizzy and helpless that 
he stops turning. 

While the head is still tied around, as before, rest one hand 
upon the hip, pass the other quickly from the gambrel down to the 
fetlock, and lift the foot forward. If submitted to, but little more need 




Fig. 257. — Pulling the Foot Back while Controlled with the War Bridle. 

be done ; but if resisted, send around again until helpless, when the 
effort should be repeated. If submitted to, untie the halter and re- 
peat the handling. Sometimes, after the head is given freedom and 
the dizziness passes off, the colt may, unexpectedly, kick violently. 
To avoid being struck, stand well forward, and far enough out from 
the hip to be out of range of the foot, and, as before, while balancing 
the body by resting the left hand upon the hip, with the right cau- 
tiously, but firmly, lift the foot forward. Should the colt kick 
now, the hand will simply be carried back with the foot without 
doing harm. When the foot is freely submitted, step forward 
so as to come well under the hip, bringing the foot upon the 
knees. If in this position he kicks, the foot will simply be thrown 
out and back from the knees, so that there will be no danger of ac- 



212 



HAD TO SHOE. 



cident. If the case is still unmanageable or doubtful, put on the 
double-draw hitch form of War Bridle. While an assistant is 
holding the cord (see Fig. 257), buckle a rein, or tie a cord around 
the foot below the fetlock. Get directly behind, out of reach, and 
pull the foot back. This -will usually be responded to by a sharp 
kick, or the foot pulled forward with energy. If so, let the War 
Bridle be jerked upon once or twice as punishment. Repeat the pull- 
ing at short intervals until the foot will finally be given back freely, 




Fig. 258.— The Colt as He will Stand alter Treatment. 



and rested upon the toe. Now step forward to a point a little back 
of the shoulder, with one hand take a short hold of the strap, at the 
same time resting the other upon the horse's back, and pull the foot 
forward repeatedly. Usually this will be submitted to ; if so, catch 
the foot and bring it forward and back, to test its flexibility or sub- 
mission to control. If, however, it is resisted, or the control is still 
doubtful, pass the strap over the neck, back between the fore legs, 
and up under the part over the back. Pull short enough to bring 
the leg well forward under the body, and tie into a half-hitch knot. 
This will bring the weight and pulling of the leg directly across the 
back and neck in a way that disables greatly. 

Next touch or lightly slap the leg until it is submitted to freely. 



PA L LI A ri VE TEE A TMENT. 



213 




Fig. 259.— Simplest Method of Making a 
Nervous Horse Stand to be Shod. 



when more freedom should be given by giving loose a little. When 
freely given to the hand, untie, carry the leg back and forward to 
test it, when take in both hands and pound upon it, as before ex- 
plained. After the foot is sub- 
mitted unconditionally, keep on 
handling for some time, giving 
apples, etc. The opposite foot 
must, practically, be treated in 
the same manner, and according 
to the degree of resistance. 

The blacksmith's shop is no 
place in which to handle colts. 
The fire and hammering add to 
the general excitem.ent, and 
greatly increase the difficulty of 
making the horse submit the feet. 
In addition, it is not the black- 
smith's duty to expose himself 
to be injured or hurt, or to lose 
time in trying to shoe a wild, unbroken colt. Such colts should 
always be handled at home until proved gentle, which, by following 
out the instructions given, will not be found a difficult task. I have 
often found horses that, in consequence of fear or abuse in a black- 
smith's shop, could not be shod 
there. I will refer here to but 
one of many cases in point. 

During my early experience, 
while at a town in Southern Penn- 
sylvania, a horse was brought 
forward for treatment that could 
not be shod, his particular cause 
of resistance being fear of the 
blacksmith's leather apron. When 
first taken to the shop for the 
purpose of being shod, the ham- 
mering and flying sparks greatly 
•excited him, and as the smith 
came forward to take up his foot, 
the appearance of his leather 
apron became an object of intense fear. In a short time the colt 
became so violent that he would not allow any one with an apron to 
go near him. 




\'^^f''H' 



Fig. 260. — Blindfolding a Nervous Horse 
to be Shod. 



214 



I'.M) TO SIIOR. 



The owner and smith concluded they had a sure thinfj in this 
case with which to beat me, and came twelve miles for the purpose, 
leading the horse. They said they would both join the class pro- 
vided I would make the horse sufficiently gentle to allow a man 
with a leather apron on to go near enough to handle him. At the 
same time they told their friends secretly that I could do nothing 
with the horse, and that they came there for the express purpose of 
showing me upas a humbug. All felt so sure that the horse would 
beat me that a large number joined the class to see the fun, expect- 
ing of course they would get their money back. I subjected the 

horse quickly to 
the Second 
Method and War 
]}ridle, not re- 
quiring in all 
more than six or 
eight minutes, 
when he could be 
handled without 
the least difficul- 
ty, b e i n g p c r- 
fectly regardless 
of the apron. I 
ordered the horse 
t a ken to the 
shop, and accus- 
tomed to the 
sparks and ham- 
also to be shod a 




Fi'i. sot As the Cord may bo Adjusted for Conlrol ol Simple Cases. 



iii(riiij4 ; to be treated kindly, giving apples, etc 

fi:w times outside the shop, to make sure of his docility. 

To show the simplicity of what may appear difficult, it is worthy 
of mention that at the same place, a party of three men — a father 
and two sons — were employed over three hours in trying to lead a 
six-year-old colt, pulling, pushing, and backing him by main force, 
to the place of exhibition, a distance of not over one fourth of a 
mile. The conditions were that I must make him follow me freely 
across the barn floor. A few sharp pulls with the War Bridle were 
sufficient to make the horse run after me, not requiring in all more 
than two minutes, proving so conclusively the ignorance and bad 
management of the parties that they were laughed at and ridiculed 
by the entire class. fSee Fig. l.'i.'j.) 



I' A LLIA Tl VJi THE A TMENT. 



215 




Confirmed in the Habit. 

As the main object in the management of most cases is to malce 
them submit to be shod with the least trouble, I will first give the 
simplest treatment for doing so. Indeed, this simple treatment, with 
a little care, will often be sufficient for the control of even very bad 
cases. 

If the horse is very sensitive 
and excitable, but naturally gen- 
tle if given his own way, a great 
deal, of course, depends upon the 
good management of the shoer, 
but as much on the aid of the 
owner. Try the following course : 
When the smith is in position, 
and ready, his left hand resting 
on the horse's hip, let the owner, 
or some good, quiet man, catch 
the horse's ear with one hand, 
queezing or twisting it a little ; 
with the other stroke the nose, 
or grasp the muzzle, and hold 
firmly but gently, at the same 
time talking to the horse kindly. 
If there is resistance to this, try blindfolding. Tie a blanket, or some- 
thing convenient, over the eyes, at the same time rubbing the nose, 
etc. With care on the part of 
the .shoer, cases that have proved 
very difficult to shoe will submit 
at once to be shod as desired. If 
these expedients fail, put on the 
cord, the First, or Double-Draw 
Hitch Form, and make the horse 
feel its power by giving a few 
sharp pulls right and left. Then 
step back to the hips, pull the 
head around a little, keeping the 
cord taut, and take up the foot, 
punishing instantly for any re- 
sistance. Or, stand to the head, 
and keep the cord drawn rather 
tight to hold the attention of the horse wHile an assistant takes up 



Fifj. 262.— Simple Method of Using Ihe Cord 

for the Control of Horses Bad to 

Shoe, Harness, etc. 




Fro. 26.'5.— Method of Putting on the Cord 
when the Horse Proves Very Stublwrn. 



216 



BAD TO SHOE. 




Fio. 264.— Showing Ihe Manner of Letting 
up on the Cord as the Horse Submits. 



the foot. If the horse is very stubborn, bring the second turn of the 
cord over the upper jaw, under the lip. This part being very sen- 
sitive, a slight pressure hurts so severely as to disconcert the horse 

sufficiently to make him submit. 
Or the cord. Second Form, can 
be put on, with the loop brought 
over the upper jaw, and pulled 
sufficiently taut to force submis- 
sion. In either case, gradually 
let up as the horse submits. In 
no case should the cord be held 
tight more than half a minute at 
a time. 

The four-ring bit properly used 
will sometimes work extremely 
well in making a horse submit to 
be shod. The bit is put into the 
mouth with an ordinary head- 
piece, and the strap closely ad- 
justed across the nose. Now tie the end of the cord to thei near 
ring, pass it around and tie to the opposite one back of the jaw ; 
then pass over the neck, well back and down behind the jaw, as 
for second form of War Bridle. 
Now, by pulling down upon the 
cord, the joint of the bit will be 
forced up against the roof of the 
mouth, which hurts so severely 
that the horse is at once discon- 
certed, or disabled sufficiently to 
permit the foot to be taken up. 
The amount of pressure or force 
of the pulling must be regulated 
according to the resistance. If 
there is submission in a short 
time, the lightest pressure will be 
sufficient to make the horse stand 
quietly to be shod. There is this 
to be said about this method of 
treatment, as well as that of the War Bridle : If it works at all, it 
seems to work so well as to leave nothing to be desired. But if it 
fails, the failure will be equally marked. It is, however, but just to 
add that though in many cases failing, the power of the War Bridle 




Pig. 265.— Four-ring Bit. Method of 
Pulling down on the Cord. 



PALLIATIVE TREATMENT. 217 

or four-ring bit, when properly used, is sometimes wonJcrful, the 
horse at once submitting unconditionally. 

Tying the head to the tail so as to keep the head bent around 
pretty well, will sometimes make a horse submit to be shod, but not 
often. This means, with that of putting the cord under the upper 
lip, which I copy below, has been of late so extensively published 
as an infallible means of making the most vicious horses stand to be 
shod, ridden, etc., that I think it necessary to give some explanation 
of them here : — 

" Mastering Vicious Horses. 

" Recently an exhibition was given at tlie corner of Ninth and Uoward streets of 
a new and very simple method of taming vicious honses, wliich is claimed to be su- 
perior to any in use. The first trial was with a kicking and bucking mare, which, 
her owner says, has allowed no rider on her Imclc for five years. She became tame 
and gentle in as many minutes, and allowed herself to be ridden about without a 
sign of her former wildness. The means by which this result was accomplished con- 
sisted of a piece of light rope, which was passed around the front jaw of the mare, 
just above the upper teeth, crossed in her mouth, and then secured back of her 
neck. It is claimed that no horse will kick or jump when thus secured, and that a 
bucking horse, after receiving this treatment a few times, will abandon his vicious 
ways forever. A very simple method was also shown by which a kicking horse can 
be shod. It consisted in connecting the animal's head and tail by means of a rope 
fastened to the tail and then to the bit, and drawn tightly enough to incline the 
horse's head to one side. It is claimed that it is absolutely impossible for a horse to 
kick on the side of the rope. At the same e.xhibition a horse which for many years 
had to be bound on the ground to be shod, suffered the blacksmith to operate on him 
without attempting to kick while secured in the manner described." 

This is from the same iiicce as the Maine man's method of 
breaking a balking horse, referred to in " Balk- 
ing." As I brought both these methods of 
treatment into use, and have had almost un- 
limited experience with them, I think I am 
able to determine their value with more ac- 




Fk^. 2<!0. — The Cord as Used with the Four-ring Bit. 

curacy than it is possible for inexperienced persons to do. While 
they will secure the control of many, even quite bad cases, as ex- 



218 



BAD TO SHOE. 



plained, they cannot by any means be depended upon for the con- 
trol of really difficult cases. They were used b}' me almost daily 
under circumstances like the following: — 

After subjecting a horse to the Second Method, while still tied, 
the effort would frequently be made to take up the foot ; but it was 
rarely, unless thoroughly subdued, that the foot would be submit- 
ted. The same is true of the cord, or War Bridle. It was often 
a matter of considerable importance to be able to control some cases 
quickly, and I would, as an experiment, try the most simple and di- 




_ _ ^S\Oi''^-" 

Fig. 367. — Pulling the Fool back to Test the Horse's Submission. 

rect methods of management. I have experimented in this way 
thousands of times before and after regular subjective treatment with 
the War Bridle, and cannot regard it as more than palliative, since it 
would, in a great many cases, prove entirely inefficient. Even with 
the Double-Draw Hitch, its most powerful and effective form, which 
until recently we kept a secret, and used only as a reserve, we could 
not depend upon it. Twenty-five years ago the War Bridle was my 
principal resource for controlling colts and bucking horses to ride. 
But it is entirely inferior to the Setond Method for the control of 
bad cases. Simply tying the head to the tail, and sending the horse 
around until dizzy, then mounting from the outside, so as not to get 
entangled by the strap, the horse will be found so helpless that he 
cannot buck ; should he attempt it, he would simply be carried 
around the more rapidly until submissive. 

The matter of breaking bucking colts and horses was a common, 
and, sometimes, a verj' formidable difficult}- to meet. One of the 



SUBJECT I VE THE A TMENT. 



219 



worst cases I ever came across was a ten-year-old mule in Central 
Mississippi. It was proved absolutely impossible, even by the re- 
straint of any kind of rigging, to mount or keep upon this brute's 
back. In fact, the case was so bad, and the people felt so sure that 
I could not ride her, that they made up a large class for me, knowing 
they would get their money back if I failed to do so. I simply sub- 
jected her to the Second Method sharply, and in less than fifteen 
minutes rode her as I pleased. This would have been impossible by 
the palliative means referred to. She was a good representative of 
the mustang nature. This is the only method of treatment by which 




Fig. 26S.— As ihe Foot will be Rested upon the Ground after Submitting. 



a strong, determined bucker can be safely and easily mastered. 

It was frequently the case that we would have for our main sub- 
ject a horse that was particularly bad in shoeing. As a test of suc- 
cess, it would be often required that the horse be shod in a black- 
smith's shop. Now after being subjected to regular treatment, there 
would usually be but little trouble in taking up and hammering upon 
the feet as much as desired at the place of treatment ; while we 
would sometimes have all we could do, even by the most severe use 
of the War Bridle, to handle such in the shop. 

Treatment yow Very Vicious Cases. 

Very much depends upon the disposition of the horse and the 
treatment pursued. In most cases the following will be found easy 
and effectual : Subject to the Third Method, using more or less 
pressure, according to the case. While the cord is on, attach a 



220 DAD TO SHOE. 

strap or rein to the hind foot, and pull back as previously explained. 
At first there will usually be great resistance, the horse kicking with 
great spitefulness, or pulling the foot forward energetically. But 
however much he may resist at first, it must not be accepted as a 
cause for discouragement. Simply keep pulling the foot back at 
short intervals until there is no resistance. When given freedom, it 
will be rested upon the toe, then pull forward and back as before ex- 
plained. In some cases it maybe necessary to tie forward by bring- 
ing the strap over the neck, back between the legs, and making fast 
to hold the foot firmly until all resistance is overcome. Treat the 
opposite foot in the same manner. 

This was the treatment pursued by us with the most success in 
the management of the worst cases. A good deal of course will de- 
pend upon the use of tact and good management, as before ex- 
plained. A coarse-grained, passionate man can very soon undo a 
great deal of good work. In the management of these critical cases 
a great point is made by having a good, quiet man to stand at the 
head and stroke the nose, and it is needless to state that the smith 
should be a man of considerable patience ; but when the case is se- 
rious it should never be shod in the shop. All this should be done 
where free from the excitement and annoyance of such a place. This 
is a point I would particularly impress upon the reader — to attend 
to accomplishing your end well at home, then take such precaution 
as you can without exciting or annoying the horse much when it 
becomes necessary to shoe him at the shop. 

To give an idea of the power of this treatment when properly 
applied, I will refer to its effects upon a few special cases. 

At Bellows Falls, Vt., a paper-maker owned a fine horse, which, 
though otherwise very gentle, was extremely hard to shoe. A trav- 
eling horseman of much experience and a great deal of pretension, 
visited the place and made a small class. The owner, wishing to 
have his horse broken, brought him in to be experimented upon. 
According to the gentleman's statement to me, this man worked 
with the horse about half a day, injuring him very severely, — in the 
owner's language, " almost killed him." The result of it all was 
that the horse beat the man completely, and was more reckless and 
determined in his opposition than before. I requested the gentle- 
man to let me see the horse. Finding him to be naturally of a good 
disposition, and that his resistance proceeded mainly from excite- 
ment, I told the owner we would have no difficulty at all with the 
horse, and succeeded in making him perfectly gentle in about fifteen 
minutes. 



SUBJECTIVE TREATMENT. 221 

The day following, at the next point we found an eight-year-old 
mare, considered impossible to shoe. The temperament being suit- 
able, we subjected her to Second Method and War Bridle, which 
made her entirely submissive in about ten minutes. The next day, 
at Putney, Vt., the kicking, runaway horse was presented. Refer- 
ence is made to these consecutive cases to show the frequency with 
which exceptionally vicious horses were brought for experiment and 
the success in their treatment. 

In the management of many cases, either or both the First and 
Second Methods may be used with advantage in connection with the 
Third Method, but it should always be done at home, where there is 
time and privacy to apply and carry out the treatment properly. 

Leaning Over. 

There are occasionally horses that will allow the foot to be 
taken up, but will lie down or lean over upon the blacksmith while 
it is held. Usually a few pulls with the War Bridle, repeating them 
for each occurrence of lying over, until he learns to stand without 
leaning, will be sufficient. If this is "resisted, subject to Second 
Method. While the head is tied around, take up the foot and test 
until he will stand squarely. If there is any inclination to lean over 
after the head is given freedom, disconcerting a little with the cord 
should be sufficient. Sometimes it is advisable to stand at the head 
ready to punish, while an assistant takes up and holds the foot as if 
to shoe. Though a horse may for some time be sullen and persist- 
ent in leaning over, it is not usually a difficult habit to overcome. 
Once compelled to stand, it is seldom necessary to repeat the lesson. 

It should have been stated in the proper place that there must 
be no effort to push against the quarters ; but the moment there 
is an effort to lean over, the foot should be instantly dropped, and 
the punishment with the War Bridle made somewhat severe, and 
this repeated until there is submission. 



Chapter IX. 



HALTER-PULLINS. 

HALTER-PULLING is one of the simple habits that not only- 
cause great annoyance, but seriously injure the value of a 
horse, by making him unsafe to be left hitched in the street. 
A horse subject to this habit may stand all right when not excited, 
but will be ready to break his neck in the attempt to pull loose 
should a bit of paper, or anything else, be suddenly thrown down in 
front of him. There was no habit that troubled me more to learn 
how to manage than this one. It was easy enough, with a little 




Fig. 2e9.— As the Colt will Naturally Resist when Pulled upon Straight Ahead. 



care, to keep a horse from pulling for a short time, but the difficulty 
was, in bad cases, to break up the habit. 

When there is an effort at first to lead a colt by the halter, the 
moment the pressure is felt upon the head there will be an inclina- 
tion to resist or pull back. If the halter is a rough, hard, rope one, 
with the slipping-noose back of the jaw, when pulled upon the pain 
inflicted will increase this tendency to resist and pull away (Fig. 
269). In the same manner, when a colt is tied and his freedom re- 
strained, there is a natural inclination to resist and pull back ; and 
if after a violent struggle the halter is broken, the habit of pulling 
will be learned. Usually, the younger the colt the more stubborn 
will be the inclination to pull, and often he will struggle so desper- 
ately as to throw himself down. Not only this, but there is danger 

(222) 



METHOD OF TREATMENT. 



223 



of straining and injuring the neck by the violence of the jerking and 
pulling. I have known of colts pulling so hard as to make the neck 
stiff, deforming and spoiling them ; and in a few cases even killing 
themselves by dislocating the neck. Yet there was practically no 
better remedy in use than to hitch by a halter so strong that he 
could not break it. The point was to be able to so hitch the colt as 
to induce the least inclination to pull, and that when he did pull he 
could not break away, strain, or otherwise injure himself 

The first successful experiment I made in the management of 
this habit was to pass the hitching part of the halter through the 
ring in the manger, thence back over the belly-band, and tie to the 

hind foot, leaving it so 
long that the horse could 
step around as usual. 
When the horse pulled, 
the strain came directly 
upon the hind leg, which 
prevented his pulling se- 




FiG. 270. — As the Colt is Liable to Break Loose when Hitched in the Usual Manner. 



verely. After submitting to this, I next tied the hitching part around 
the fore leg above the knee, so that should he pull, the leg would 
be pulled forward to the manger. But I soon discovered two ob- 
jections to this method : First, there was danger, by this violent 
pulling upon the leg, of causing serious lameness ; and second, 
when afterward hitched directly by the head, there was a liability 
of his repeating the pulling. 

To avoid this, I took a cord of sufficient length, brought the 
center under the tail like a crupper, bringing both ends forward 
over the back, twisting a few times, and then knotted them together 
in front of the breast. I then passed the ends through the rings of 
the halter, and tied to the post or manger. When the horse pulled, 
the strain came directly upon the tail, which, in the case of a colt, 



224 HA ITER - FULLIXG. 

would cause him to jump ahead, surprised and frightened. I soon 
learned, however, that a stubborn horse accustomed to the habit, 
would quickly learn to pull against it, or pull as bad as ev?r when 
it was taken off. I also found that it was apt to make the tail so 
sore that there was not only liability to cause the horse to kick 
when pulled upon, but afterward, should the rein be caught under 
the tail, or he be otherwise irritated. 

I then devised the plan of making a noose of the cord, and 
placing it well back around the body, bringing both cords forward 
between the legs, and through the hole in the manger, thence back 
to the halter, and fasten. Thus two important improvements were 
made ; namely, the serious objection of making the tail sore was re- 
moved ; and, instead of tying directly to the post or manger, pass- 
ing it through the ring or hole in the manger, and tying to the hal- 
ter back of the jaw, the restraint was brought directly upon the head 
as if ordinarily hitched, but with the advantage of greatly disabling 
and punishing, while the horse could not strain or injure himself in 
the least, no matter how hard he pulled. 

If the subject were a colt, the moment there was an effort to 
pull, the sudden tightening of the cord around the body frightened 
and hurt him so much that it compelled an instantaneous jumping 
ahead, and after repeating two or three times, all inclination to pull was 
entirely overcome. It was necessary to hitch him in this way only a 
few times, when he could be tied by the halter directly, without 
knowing it was possible to pull. If while hitched in this manner he 
was frightened by a robe, or a piece of paper coming suddenly in 
front of him, he was soon convinced of his inability to pull loose, 
and consequently the inclination to do so was broken up. 

For especially bad, sullen pullers, however, I found this was 
not of itself sufficient to break up the habit. It was easy, of course, 
to prevent the horse from pulling while the rig was on, but when 
taken off, and the horse tied as usual by the halter, there was lia- 
bility of his again repeating the pulling. To overcome this diffi- 
culty, I was led to the expedient, when there was an effort to pull, 
of inflicting such intense pain as to disconcert the horse from his 
purpose, even while under the greatest excitement, and on this point 
I was successful. To give something of an idea how I was led to do 
this, I will refer to a chance incident : — 

Two colts that pulled very hard upon the halter — one of them 
desperately — were brought me to experiment upon. The one that 
pulled the worst provoked me so much by his intense pulling, that 
to frighten him out of it I whipped him very hard upon the tip of 



METHOD OF TREATMENT. 



225 



his nose, where there is the most sensibility. Though he made a su* 
preme struggle, I soon succeeded in this way in making him so afraid 
to pull that, no matter how excited afterward, he could not be made 
to go back. The other horse submitted in a few minutes, requiring 
but a slight punishment. Meeting the owner afterward, he informed 
me that the horse that pulled the hardest at first never did it after- 
ward, while he had considerable trouble in breaking the other one 
of the habit. 

This led me to experiment upon this principle all I could. 
When I found a bad case, I treated it, if possible, in private, and 
was invariably so successful that I soon became convinced that I 
could in this way force the most stubborn pullers into submission in 




Fig 271. — As a Horse of Sullen Temper Is Liable to Throw himself down when Pulling. 



a few minutes. In making these experiments, I found that in many 
cases the lesson must be repeated, in order to fully break up the 
the habit, and that it was fatal to success to let the horse feel that 
he could resist at any point. Nothing with which the horse is tied 
should give way. Even the breaking of the whip, or the inability 
to force to the point of complete submission, would be equivalent to 
defeat. In all cases the experiment should be made at the place 
where in the habit of resisting, or as near it as possible. 

The Patent Bridle will be found to give still more power, and is 
indispensable in the breaking of bridle-pullers. In using this, re- 
verse the reins through the pulley, so that instead of passing back, 
they will run forward. (See Fig. 273.) Now, the moment the 
horse pulls, the punishment upon the head becomes so severe that 
he will be afraid to repeat it. 



226 



HALTER- P ULLING. 



Having learned these points, I advertised, among other ap- 
parently difficult feats, to make any halter-puller in two minutes so 
that he could not be made to pull upon his own halter when hitched. 
Many amusing incidents could be given, showing an effort to break 
me down in this respect. I will give here two illustrative cases, one 
of them among the worst halter-pullers the writer ever saw : — 

On the morning of my engagement at a large town in Northern 
New York, happening to step into a livery-stable, I found several 
men standing around, laughing and yelling at a mare hitched in the 
stall. She had a rope under her tail, against which she pulled with 
great desperation, sitting back upon the ground and bracing herself 
with her fore legs. There was no lunging, but a steady, reckless 




Fig. 272. — The Halter-puller Trying to Pull Loose. 



pull, which settled the cord its thickness into the flesh of her tail. 
In explanation, they said they were stirring up and practicing the 
mare to have a good subject for me ; that they knew she was the 
premium halter-puller of that countr)-, and they proposed to fix her 
so that she would beat me. 

She was ten years old, of medium size, brownish-black in color, 
of the most courageous, plucky character imaginable, and one of the 
worst possible halter-pullers in the country. She would undoubt- 
edly have defeated me had I not, in this way, become aware of her 
extremely bad character, and prepared for the emergency. It was 
a preconcerted plan to spring the mare upon me, and defeat me, and 
thus make an excuse to get their money back. Though I had never 
seen so bad a halter-puller before, I determined to put a bold front 
on the matter, and pass for all I was worth. 

Tn forming a class, I told the people they were to distinctly un- 
derstand if I could not control the mare in two minutes so that she 
could not be made to pull when hitched by her own halter, I would 



METHOD OF TREATMEXT. ^21 

give every man his mone}- back ; with this understanding I made a 
large class. 

It now became important for them to defeat me, and for me, if 
possible, to succeed. Fearing my whip would break, I secured an 
extra one, of the best quality I could find, stripped off my coat and 
vest, attended carefully to every detail of hitching, and doubled the 
usual strength of the cord, to guard against the possibility of 
breaking. The moment the mare was tied, she went back with all 
the fury of a maniac. But she had no more than done so when I sent 
the lash of the whip across the tip of her nose, repeating as rapidly 
and with as much force as I could. The struggle was a desperate one, 
and the excitement and anxiety to see which would beat was intense. 
At the fourteenth or fifteenth blow, the whip broke ; dropping it and 
catching the other, without losing a blow, I followed up the str uggle 
Had this whip broken, failure would have been inevitable ; but fortu- 
nately it held out, and at about the thirtieth blow she jumped ahead. 
But true to the instincts of her desperate pluck, she immediately 
went back again. The punishment, however, was too hot for her, 
and after the third stroke she bounded into the air, completely con- . 
quered ; for, in defiance of the utmost effort, she could not be made 
to pull back. I was consequently voted " All right." So great was 
the exertion on my part, that after she submitted I was out of breath 
and completely exhausted, 

I told the owner afterward that if he wished to break the mare 
successfully, he must not permit any fooling with her ; he must lead 
her quietly to the stable, back her into the stall, tie her head to the 
post, and let her stand until cool and over the excitement, when the 
impression would be so intensified that she would not repeat the 
habit ; and as a matter of precaution to test her as thoroughly as 
he could, then hitch her as I had done. I met the owner a week 
afterward, when he told me there were not men enough in the town 
t o make her pull hard enough now to break a tow string. 

At Marion, N. Y., where I made a large class many years be- 
fore, I found a twenty-four-year-old mare that had not been hitched 
for ten years ; also a daughter and grand-daughter of the mare, — 
all confirmed halter-pullers. To catch me, nothing was said about 
the character of the subjects until the time of making the exper- 
iments. The youngest mare was led in first, and proved a decidedly 
good subject, yielding unconditionally in about a minute. They 
next led in the mother, a twelve-year-old mare, saying, " We have 
another case we wish tried." But, upon trial, she yielded, if any- 
thing, more readily than the first. They laughed, and said, " Now 



228 



HALTER - FULLING. 



let us have the old mare ; if he can stop her from pulling we will 
give it up." This revealed the plot, and she was the reserved case 
upon which they depended to defeat me. Upon trial, however, the 
old mare proved no more difficult than the others, — in fact, not 
making near so good a contest as the first. Almost daily there were 
horses of this character brought me, many of them extremely bad ; 
but in no case was there failure. (Details of hitching a colt, and ac- 
customing to stand hitched, are fully given in " Colt-Training," and 
can be referred to under that head.) 

In breaking up this habit, no possible chances of failure should 
be taken. First, the cord must be so light and pliable as not to be 
noticeably felt around the body, yet so strong that it cannot be 




-As a Horse will Rear and Jump Ahead after Pulling. 



broken by the most desperate lunging. If heavy and clums)-, it 
would teach to discriminate between being off or on. Second, 
the manger, post, or ring through which the cord plays, should be 
so strong or solid that there will be no danger of giving wa}-. If it 
is a hitching-ring, and small or rough, it should be wound with 
leather or something to prevent its cutting the cord. Third, the 
horse should be first tied where in the habit of pulling hardest, or 
where most accustomed to pull. The degree of freedom should be 
about the same as when ordinarily hitched by the halter, and the 
point of tying or playing through the ring should be about on a 
level with the breast. As before explained, in ordinary cases all 
that will be necessary will be to hitch in this way, and frighten him 
back a little at first by whatever excites him, until he refuses to go 
back, when all inclination to pull will be overcome. While in seri- 



METHOD OF TREATMENT. 



229 



ous cases, especially if of a plucky, determined character, punishing 
sharply with a whip will be necessary. 

It is important also that the whip be of the right length and best 
quality, as in many cases the want of this precaution would be suf- 
ficient to cause defeat. It should be from five to six feet long, 
rather stiff, with a bow top made of buckskin, and a good hard lash. 
It must be of such good material that there will be no danger of its 
breaking, and so easily handled that the end of the nose can be 
struck with quickness and precision. If long and unwieldy, it can- 
not be handled with the effectiveness necessary, as there is danger 
of hitting around the eyes and head, which must not be done. 

Another point : The horse must not at first be hitched where he 
cannot, if necessary, be punished with the whip; when he goes 
back, punish in- 
stantly. When he 
jumps forward, 
make a noise, crack 
the whip, or any- 
thing else, but do 
not strike him. It 
is advisable to let 
him stand quietly 
where treated until 
cool. He may, when 
left alone, try to 
pull again once or 
twice, but this will 
only fix the impres- 
sion the stronger 
until he will give 

up the contest. Next, he should be tested at other points, though 
not very severely. If he pulls, the punishment should be quick and 
sharp until submissive. It does no good to break a horse only suffi- 
ciently to make him stand quietly when not excited or frightened. 
To be effective, he must be made to stand quietly, regardless of 
any of the usual causes of excitement. Unless this can be done, the 
horse should not be risked hitched in the street, or at any place 
where exposed to causes of fear. Hitching to a limb of a tree, 
which will give when pulled upon, will prevent the habit during the 
time hitched, but when tied to an unyielding post or manger, he is 
again liable to pull. 




-A Test to wliicli ttie Halter-puller was usually Sub- 
mitted by tlie Class after Treatment. 



230 



HALTER -FULLING. 




Fig. 275.— First Method of Making a 

Horse Stand In Harness witliout 

Hitctiing. 



Running Back in the Stall when Unhitched. 

For ordinary cases of running back in the stall when unhitched, 
tie a little longer than for halter-pulling ; then untie the halter, and 

the horse will run back to the point of 
being disabled and hurt. This will 
cause him to jump ahead. Repeat, at 
each time tying a little longer, until 
the nose will come on a line with the 
back end of a stall, when he should 
be hit sharply across the nose until 
he jumps ahead. This will in a short 
time make him afraid to run back. 
As a precaution, it is advisable, the 
next time he is unhitched, to have 
a cord on, so that should he try to 
run back he could be caught by the cord attachment and punished 
as before. 

Whenever I had a particularly bad case of this kind, I hitched 
the horse as before explained, but with the cord or rope so long that 
when he went back it let the nose come just outside the stall. I 
would then stand outside, while some one unhitched him, or made 
him go back. The moment he went the length of the cord, he was 
stopped with a jerk, 
when I stood ready 
to punish him by hit- 
ting him across the 
tip of the nose once 
or twice, causing 
him to jump ahead. 
A few repetitions of 
this would make him 
so afraid he could 
not be made to go 
back. I have at dif- 
ferent times created 
considerable amuse- 
ment in the manage- 
ment of these cases, 





Fig. 276.— Second Melliod of 

IMaking a Horse Stand witliout 

being HItctied. 

by making it impossible for the owner, after 

the experiment, to back the horse out of the stall. Treated in this 

way, the management of these cases is easy and simple. 



Fig. 277.— How to Hitch a 

Horse to a Tree or Smooth 

Post so that the Strap or 

Cord will not Untie or 

Slip Down. 



STANDING UNHITCHED. 

Standing without being Hitched. 



231 



It is sometimes quite important to have a horse stand without 
being hitched, as there may be no hitching-post at hand. This can 
be done in two ways : First, by buckling one end of a strap around 
the foot below the fetlock, and the other end to the cross-piece of 
the shafts, just short enough to hold the foot in a perpendicular po- 




FiG. 278.— Taking up the Colt's Foot wliile Tied— One of the Tests in Determining 
his Submission. 

sition. When the horse tries to step, being unable to carry the foot 
forward, he is rendered helpless. It is always advisable to try a 
horse before leaving him in this way, as it is barely possible he may 
lunge forward upon three legs if badly frightened ; but only wild, 
impulsive fellows are liable to do this. Another way is to simply 
tie the fore legs together, as seen in the cut. This method is spe- 
cially valuable in making saddle-horses stand without being hitched. 
It is also important to be able to hitch a horse to a tree or 
smooth post in such a manner as to prevent the cord from slipping 
down. I give an illustration of a method for doing this, which is so 
plain that it does not need any further description. 



Chapter X. 



STALLIONS. 

THERE is no class of horses that require more careful manage- 
ment than stallions. They have more intelligence than other 
horses, and are quicker to take advantage when carelessness or 
weakness is shown. They are also more courageous in their re- 
sistance. In addition, the character of their resistance — biting and 
striking — is far more difficult to combat. Mistakes can be made in 
breaking mares and geldings without doing much more harm than 
to increase the labor of their subjection ; but in subduing a stallion, 
a mistake, or even slight carelessness, is in many cases fatal to suc- 
cess. The whip should never 
be used upon a horse of this 
character ; for there is great 
danger, if at all spirited or cou- 
rageous, of his becoming in con- 
sequence aggressive and vicious. 
A young horse that is very 
gentle, allowing himself to be 
handled and caressed around 
the head, etc., can, by bad treat- 
ment, easily be made so vicious 
that his whole character is 
changed. A great many cases 
of this kind have come under 
my observation. At one time, 
a gentleman who had previously 
attended one of my lectures, 
told me that he and his brother owned a fine stallion in company. 
The horse was naturally quite gentle, but one day his brother, 
becoming impatient with him, hit him sharply with the whip ; the 
result was the horse ever afterward held such an antipathy against 
him that he could not safely go near or handle him in any way, 
while toward himself the horse was perfectly gentle. 

The " Gifford-Morgan Horse," sold to Fred Arnd, of Bath, N. Y., 
and mentioned in the last part of this chapter, is a striking case 

(35?: 




Fig. 279.— Portrait from Life of Old Hamble- 

tonian, Sire of tlie Hambletonian 

Trotters. 



BEFORE TREATMENT. 



233 



in point. Had I not been in Bath at the time, and able to treat him 
properly, he would have been entireh- unmanageable and worthless. 




During my early experience, when in Utica, N. Y., as a test I 
was required to experiment upon a horse owned by Mr. Roberts, a 
prominent citizen. This horse had been perfectly gentle and used 



234 



STALLIONS. 




Fig. 281.— The Roberts Horse. 



by the family for driving. Mr. Roberts, employed a groom to 
take care of the horse, who, to show him up and play smart, was 
in the habit of whipping him. The owner discovering this, the 
man was discharged. Mr. Roberts afterward, while trying to 

handle the horse, was suddenly 
pitched at by him and seriously 
injured, and would have been killed 
had not two men who were near 
by clubbed him off with a rail. Six 
months after the accident he had 
not recovered sufficiently to leave 
his room, the horse in the mean- 
time running loose in a large stall, 
and so vicious that no one could 
go near him. This case was a good 
subject, and submitted to treat- 
ment readily in about twenty min- 
utes, being driven and handled 
with as much success as before. 
This case is referred to as No. 13 
in " Subjection," in my book on 
the horse. 

I could refer to a great many interesting cases where the char- 
acter had been spoiled by rough, bad treatment, and I found no 
horses more susceptible to treatment than they, being almost the 
best subjects to experiment upon before classes. I have in my mind 
a particularly good one, treated in Herman, N. Y. This was a 
finely bred seven-year-old horse, taken from Canada, where it was re- 
ported he had killed a man ; at any rate, he had not been taken out 
of his stall for seven months, and was supposed to be entirely un- 
broken to harness. The only clew I could get to his disposition was 
that he was well-bred, and I was confident that he would be a good 
subject when once able to get him before the class. So confident 
was I of this, that I promised not only to make him entirely gentle, but 
to drive him in harness without breeching in forty minutes, and failing 
to do so would return the money. This case not only submitted 
readily to treatment within that time, but was tested several weeks 
after and proved entirely gentle. He was led behind a buggy to a 
point twelve miles distant, and hitched up by me and driven in the 
street without breeching. Of course, it was insisted that the horse 
should be treated with great kindness, and he certainly behaved as 
gentle as any family horse. 



TREATMENT FOR HEADSTRONG STALLIONS. 235 

I refer to these cases to show to owners the necessity of em- 
ploying good, careful men to take charge of their horses. A coarse- 
grained, passionate man should not be employed at any price. 
Habits of intemperance should in all cases be sufficient to disqualify 
a man for such work. 

There is no class of horses that submit more readily to treat- 
ment when taken in time, but they are the hardest to reform when 
the treatment is not right, or when, by the inefficiency of the owner 
or groom, they are afterward allowed successful resistance. On this 




Fig. 382. — Vicious Stallion in a Rage. 

account I have thought it advisable to refer specially to the man- 
agement of these cases here. 

Treatment for Headstrong Stallions. 

If a colt is simply unbroken and impulsive — perhaps nipping a 
little — he can be easily made gentle by subjecting him lightly to 
the Second Method and following it with the War Bridle. Some- 
times a horse of this character is perfectly manageable until led near 
other horses, when he will try to pull away. I will refer to two or 
three such cases : While at Pennington, N. J., a horse that pulled 
away so badly he could not be taken into the streets at all if other 
horses were in sight, was reported for treatment. He was subjected 
lightly to the Second Method, and then brought under thorough 
control by the War Bridle, when he was led home as manageable as 
any horse. 

Well-bred, nervous-tempered horses of this character will al- 



236 



STALLIOXS. 



ways prove easy subjects to manage ; while those of a sullen, cold- 
blooded, or draft order may be found quite difficult, and require 




very careful treatment. It is seen that for these simple cases a short 
lesson with the most severe form of the War Bridle should be all that 



TREATMENT FOR VICIOUS STALLIONS. 



237 



is necessary. Stand opposite the shoulder, four or five feet away, 
and give a sharp pull, repeating slowly until he will come around 
promptly. This lesson must be made sufficiently thorough to over- 
come all inclination to resist, no matter how tried or excited. Five 
or ten minutes' treatment, when properly done, should be sufficient 
to break up the habit. 

Treatment for Very Vicious Stallions. 

Vicious stallions require very careful management. In deter- 
mining the treatment, a great deal depends upon the temperament 
of the horse, and how greatly his resentment has been excited. A 
horse that seems 
the worst is not 
always the hard- 
est to break ; in 
fact, if he has 
never been fooled 
with much, he 
may be, in many 
instances, the 
very easiest to 
manage; and 
when once sub- 
dued by the 
methods of sub- 
jection given 
here, it will not 
be difficult t o 
hold the charac- 
ter good by care- 
f u 1 after-treat- 
ment. 

If a stallion of 




Fig. 284. — Method of Placing the Hand, and Bringing It Quickly 
to the Head, in Approaching a Vicious Stallion. 



moderately good disposition be partijilly broken or subdued, and 
that for a number of times, it may be very difficult to afterward 
make him reliably gentle. Or when once thoroughly subdued, if 
he is whipped or managed in such a way as to again excite him to 
resist, it would require the most thorough course of treatment to 
produce the same degree of docility as before ; for by such success- 
ful resistance the horse is taught a degree of cunning and treachery 
that it is next to impossible to break up. On this account it is of 



238 



STALLIONS. 




the greatest impor- 
tance that the treat- 
ment of these cases, 
when once under- 
taken, should be 
very careful and 
thorough. 

For a really dan- 
gerous horse whose 
head cannot be 
reached with safe- 
ty, the best course 
is to subject him first to the Second Method, which will give suffi- 
cient foundation to use the other methods with more success. Sub- 
ject him next to the First Method, throwing rapidly as long as he 
will get up, or until he will not try to resist. It is rarely this will 
not make the horse, in a general way, submissive ; but as it is nec- 
essary to make the impression 
as intense as possible upon 
these doubtful cases, this treat- 
ment should be followed with 



Fig. 285.— The Stallion "Jet. 




Kic;. ■J'^ii — •• Jet "' as Led into Portland before being Subdued. 



the Third Method, and in some cases it may be advisable to repeat 
again with the Second, after which the War Bridle should be used. 



TREATMENT FOR VICIOUS STALLIONS. 



239 



It is almost needless to state that there should be the most 
careful attention, while going around the horse, to keep such a re- 
straint upon him as will prevent his biting. A very little careless- 
ness, such as taking the eye off from his, turning the back to him, or 
relaxing restraint upon the head, would encourage aggression, and 
practically undo all that had been done. It is easy enough to sub- 
ject the horse to the various methods of treatment given, but it is 
not so easy to exercise that prudent after-watchfulness which is an 
indispensable requisite in fixing and holding the impression made. 




' Jet " as Led Home after Treatment. 



In going into the stall, the trainer should give the horse an apple or 
two, or something he likes, to win his better nature. It is also im- 
portant that the horse be worked or driven enough to keep him a 
little sore or tired. 

Above any other class of horses, stallions seem the best able to 
determine the strength of character of a man from his actions ; and 
in approaching them in the stall it is almost fatal to success to show 
any tim.idity or weakness in voice or manner ; whatever the feel- 
ing of doubt, nothing but the most perfect confidence and firm- 
ness must be shown. Fencers always look each other in the eye to 
see an indication of the intended movement, and to be ready to ward 
off the attack. In the same manner are the intentions and move- 



240 STALLIONS. 

mcnts of the horse in a great measure revealed. In approaching a 




vicious horse in the stall, a fixed, determined expression of the eye 
and manner will sometimes so disconcert him that he will stand un- 
3 



TREATMENT FOR VICIOUS STALLIONS. 241 

decided what to do until approached and made helpless. The usual 
course to pursue is about as follows : When within reach of the 
horse, look him firmly in the eye, and say, " Get around ! " or any 
other word of command, in a way to make him feel your power. If 
his eye quails, approach ; if not, stand still. It may be a duel of a 
few minutes to determine which will give up. Should he yield, ap- 
proach softly, midway between his head and quarters, so as to keep 
him, as it were, undecided and unbalanced. If standing too near his 
quarters, he is liable to kick ; if too near his head, to strike or bite. 
The point is to keep him undecided until the shoulder is reached ; 




Fig. 389. — The Fred Arnd Horse as Seen by the Writer Four Years 
after being Subdued. 

then pass the hand quickly up the neck to the ear, thence down, 
grasping the nose-piece of the halter. He is at such a disadvantage 
now that unless very violent he cannot do harm. Should he, how- 
ever, attempt to strike or bite, grab the mane at the shoulder with 
the other hand, and so keep the head turned straight from you. But 
should he prove too much, the only alternative is to get out of the 
way. Presuming, however, that he is under good control, the point 
now is to disable him. Have a cord ready, throw the doubled part 
over the neck and pass over the lower jaw ; bring the other part 
down through the loop tight, and tie into a single hitch. Now j5ut 
on another cord, and if necessary tie up one leg to prevent kicking, 
get him out of the stall and subject him to treatment, modifying it 
according to the case. 

Should the horse show a cool, daring expression of eye, with 
ears thrown back, and standing sullenly, and seemingly indifferent, 
16 a 



242 STALLIONS. 



no chances should be taken. Such a horse will wait until within 

reach, when he will kick, strike, or bite so quickly that no firmness 
or quickness of action would save a man. In such a case resort to 
any means most convenient and safe that will give sufficient control 
to enable subjecting him to the regular treatment. If no halter or 
bridle is on, the following course may be adopted : Put on a halter as 
described in " Colt-Training," tie up the head, put on a bridle, or one 
or two War Bridles, get him out on a sodded place, and subject him 
to treatment. Of course, if the stall or room is large enough, he can 
be subjected to treatment there. 

The point of making the horse sufficiently gentle to be handled 
and used while free from rigging or restraint of any kind, must be 
thoroughly established as a foundation upon which this after-treat- 
ment must be based. Unless this can be done, the horse cannot 
practically be made safe. In my experience with these cases I make 
the lesson, if I can, a quick, overpowering rush of force, which breaks 
up all resistance, and makes him submit before he warms up, being 
careful not to strain, bruise, or overheat the horse. 

Sometimes stallions, especially of this character, are liable to 
develop very peculiar whims in the way of affection or hatred. I 
will give here a very marked case, formerly owned by me. A ten- 
year-old Gifford-Morgan stallion, owned in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., 
was of a fine, intelligent, docile disposition naturally, but when 
excited he showed an undercurrent of great will and courage. He 
was raised in Gowanda, N. Y. I bought him for the purpose of 
training him to drive without reins, and succeeded in making him 
drive very nicely, holding him gentle. For a stallion, he was sin- 
gularly free from all inclination to bite, and other habits of vicious- 
ness. Later, I sold this horse, with another, for breeding purposes, 
to Fred Arnd, a hotel-keeper, in Bath, N. Y. Mr. Arnd (who was 
somewhat intemperate in his habits) one day perceiving the horse 
acted as though about to bite, whipped him severely. Happening 
in the stable at the time, I found Arnd in the horse's stall, and 
greatly excited from the exertion of whipping and kicking. I told 
him emphatically that he must not whip and abuse the horse in that 
way. If he did, he would surely in a short time make him so vicious 
he could do nothing with him. I advised him at once to give the 
horse some apples, and handle and caress him until over the excite- 
ment. But he disregarded the advice, and about a week afterward 
I again heard a row in this stall. Proceeding to the place, I found 
Arnd with hat off and face red with passion, in the act of whipping 
and kicking the horse. I again told him in the most positive terms 



EFFECT OF TBEATMENT. 



243 



that he could not whip and abuse the horse in that manner without 
spoiling him, and that he must on no condition repeat it. As be- 
fore, I urged him to treat the horse kindly, give apples, etc. ; but, as 
before, my advice was disregarded, and as the result, in less than a 
week afterward he came to me and said, " That horse is so vicious 
no one can go near him. i am afraid he is completely spoiled. If 
you can and will break him for me, I will do anything you require." 

I found the horse perfectly furi- 
ous, with eyes like balls of fire, and 
ready to jump at any one who 
might approach. He did not seem 
to have the least recollection of 
me, and it was with the greatest 
difficulty I was able to get him out 
of the stall, and across the street 
into my tent. I subjected him first 
to Second Method, following with 
First, which he resisted furiously. I 
threw him fully a dozen times be- 
fore he gave up the contest, when 
he quieted down, and seemed to 
fully recognize me. I talked to him 
and caressed him now for some 
time, walking around with him, 
when he would follow me around 
perfectly gentle. I now directed 
him to be placed in the care of a quiet, careful man, and instructed 
him to make it his business to visit the horse frequently in his stall, 
give an apple or two each time, caress and talk to him, and on no 
account to allow Arnd to go near or in his sight until I advised it. 
The treatment was continued two weeks, the horse acting just as 
gentle as before. Now while standing at his head I directed Arnd 
to come inside the door of his stall. The horse knew him instantly 
and became greatly excited, but I managed, however, to keep him 
quiet while Arnd was near him. 

I soon afterward left the place, but at the expiration of about 
four years I again visited that part of the State professionally. At 
Merchantsville, in the same county, I was surprised to find this horse. 
I was informed that at the moment Arnd would come near, the 
horse would become furiously excited, and seem ready to jump at 
him, but was perfectly gentle toward others. Convinced that he 
could not manage him, he sold him to his present owner, a resident 




Fig. 290.- 



-Vicious Stallion in the Act 
of Biting. 



2U 



STALL fOXS. 



of Merchantsville, wlio used him for breeding purposes and for a fam- 
ily driver. 

The man told me his wife could 
hitch up the horse and drive him 
as well as any old family horse, 
and he could take him out in the 
street by the halter and play with 
him with all the freedom he could 
with any pet horse. " But," added 
he, "were he to see a bald-headed 
man it would make him so furious 
he would kill him if he could get 
at him." Mr. Arnd was bald-head- 
ed, and the horse retained his pe- 
culiar repugnance to such an ap- 
pearance. I took him into the 
streets by the halter, and found 
he was just as obedient to the 
whip as when I owned him, over four }-ears before. 

Young horses of this character, no matter how apparently vi- 
cious or unmanageable, were the best subjects to handle before 




Fig. 291. — Godolphin Arabian. From 
Stubb's Picture. By J. C. Beard. 




Fig. 293. 



-Godolphin Arabian, the Noted Sire of the English Thoroughbred. 
From Stubb's Painting. 



classes, and I always preferred them when I could get them, as they 
were so quick to respond to treatment. Indeed, many of the most 
noted cases referred to in m\- regular work were stallions. There is a 



EFFECT OF TREATMENT. 



245 



point, however, to which I desire to call special attention in relation 
to treatment of these horses. If the horse is well-bred, or of a warm- 
blooded character, not fooled with very much, no matter how vicious 
he may appear, his treatment should be simple and easy, but the 
vital condition of success will be in making the after-treatment 
good. There must be no fooling or carelessness. It will be par- 
ticularly dangerous to whip or scold very much. The point is to 
watch the case carefully, repress without punishment if possible, 
and win the good nature. It requires a cool, well-balanced man, in 
a word, to manage these cases with success ; but if the horse is cold- 
blooded, of a sullen type, and especially if of the draft order, and 
has become thoroughly vicious, while there may be no difficulty in 
making such a case submissive for a time, he will be almost sure to 
break over, and in most cases will be liable to become as bad as be- 
fore. I have reference to cases now that have been fooled with, and 
have become thoroughly fixed in vicious habits. 




An Act o{ the Mustang Pony Refered to with Illustration on Page 30, 

And In " Facts for Horse Owners," Page 443, where Full 

Particulars are Given. 



Chapter XL 



I 




Fig. 293.— Horse in Nature. 



CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 

Cruelty of Checkino. 

N sitting, walking, or standing, every person knows how tiresome 
it is to maintain one position very long, and that a frequent 
change of position is equivalent to resting. It would be compara- 
tively easy to move the hand 
up or down, which could be 
done almost indefinitely 
without much inconven- 
ience ; but to hold it in one 
position perpendicularly or 
horizontally, would soon be- 
come extremely tiresome 
and difficult ; in fact, so 
much so that it would be 
impossible to hold it out 
horizontally longer than a 
few minutes. A French subordinate officer, as a punishment, 
marched his soldiers all day without allowing them the regulation 
freedom of changing the position of their arms, which so injured 
them that it was regarded sufficient cause for inflicting upon him 
the penalty of death. 

Now, checking horses and 
forcing them to hold their 
heads unnaturally high and 
keeping them thus arbitrarily 
in a fixed position, as I no- 
tice to be generalh' prac- 
ticed, frequently all da\-, 
while perhaps being rapidly 
driven or worked hard, must 

be almost equally trying and painful for them to bear, and in 
connection with the use of blinders is so much of a fault that it 
cannot but be regarded as the greatest ingratitude and crime to 
so faithful and useful a servant. 

(2-46) 




Fig. 294. — The Horse with Over-checl<. 



CROPPING AXD DOCKING. 



241 



This custom of using ar- 
bitrary checks upon horses 
for giving fictitious style to 
them in driving, at the ex- 
pense of a great deal of com- 
fort, freedom, and vital force, 
is of the same foolish character 
^vith various senseless cus- 
toms of both civilized and 
savage nations, such as the 
cramping of the feet of Chi- 
nese women, or the wearing 





Fig. 395. — Let the Drivers Try It. 

of the finger-nails to such a length 
as to interfere with the freedom of 
the hands, flattening the heads of 
Indian children, and the tattooing 
of the body by African and other 
tribes. The custom of checking, in 
the hands of ignorant people espe- 
cially, has become so very common 
as to demand the most serious effort 
to prevent it. 

Cropping and Docking. 



Fig. 296.— a Gentle Family Horse: Show- 
ing the Discomfort and Pain of 
High Checking. 



In accordance with these ridiculous 
notions, introduced, perhaps, by some 
titled fool, it was the custom in Eng- 
land, about forty years ago, to crop 

horses' ears and manes, illustrations 

■of which are given from an old Eng- 
lish work, showing the method of 

doing it. Thirty years ago, in this 

country, this was carried to such an 

extreme by many, that it became the 

point of ambition of the professional 

dealer to have a horse with the 

shortest and most elevated tail, with 

a short tuft of hair hanging to it. 

To show that this is true, I give an 

illustration of such, copied from the 

Ensrlish work before named. 




Fig. 297. — The Family Horse Trying 
to Relieve himself from the Res- 
traint of the Check. 



248 



CHECKING AND BLINDERH. 




High Checking. 

Soon after the inauguration of trot- 
ting, it was found that horses of certain 
temperament and form could be made 
to trot more reliably and faster by 
holding the head checked high, and 
soon considerable ingenuity was dis- 
pla}'ed in the development of the best 
methods of doing this. This was re- 
sorted to with the same object with 
Fig. 398.~One Position of Head of 11.^ • 1 ^ j ^1 

,^ „ „ , J , . ., . which toe weights and other means 

the Horse Referred to in Text. ° 

are now used, to hold and force more 

reliably in the trotting gait. 

Down to about fifteen years ago, the check in general use con- 
sisted of a simple strap, the ends of which were attached to the 
rings of the bit, passed through the lugs 
on each side attached to the throat- 
latch, amd back to the saddle-hook. The 
shorter the strap, and the higher these 
lugs were placed, the higher the head 
was necessarily drawn up and back. A 
good illustration of the extreme of such 
checking is shown in Fig. 151. 

Various improvements were made on 
this method, based mainly, now, in ad- 
dition to the points explained, in raising 
the lugs, or in attaching them well up 

near the head-piece of the bridle ; next 
in passing the strap through the rings of 
the bit, and attaching to the cheek-pieces 
of the bridle, making the purchase 
straighter up on the head, and giving 
considerable pulley purchase up and back 
upon the bit. Various modifications have 
been made of this form, in connection 
with powerful curb bits, with the object 
of elevating the heads of fancy carriage 

teams in the principal cities of this coun- 
FiQ. 300. — Til rowing the Head up , .^.. 

. OL. • r. .- ri iu /,,. , try and bngland. 

to Obtain Re lef from the Check. ■' ^ 




Fig. 299. — The Horse Trying to Re- 
lieve himself from the Torture 
of the Overdraw Check. 




HIGH CHECKING. 



249 




Finally, a change was made, — that of 
passing the strap, one end of which was 
divided and connected with the rings 
of the bit, back over the head, and at- 
taching it to the saddle-hook, which 
was called the Kimball-Jackson check. 
The next change was that of placing 
an extra small steel bit in the mouth, 
with a strap attached across the nose 
to hold it in place, which was connected 
to an extra strap passed up to the top 
of the head-piece, on which a patent 
was taken. It was introduced, I believe, 
by a man named Carroll. This was im- 
proved upon by an extra strap, bring- 
ing the check-lugs rather high on the 
bridle, and connecting the rein directly with this extra bit. 

The next step was to attach 
branches of a straight strap di- 
rectly to the nose-piece or rings 
of this extra bit, and pass it back 
over the head to the water-hook. 



Fig. 301.— One of the Positions the 
Horse Assumes In trying to Ob- 
tain Relief from the Pain of 
the Check Referred to 
in the Text. 




Fig. 302.— As Driving Horses are Frequently Checked up. Referred to in Text. 



as now used, not only simplifying it, but giving the most arbitrary 
power of keeping the head elevated. No matter what the form or 



250 



CI /EC KING ASlJ J'.LISDEna. 



temper of the horse, this form of check holds the head up so arbi- 
trarily that the horse is helpless to resist it, giving the appearance 
of style, especially in those that carry the head rather low, and 
hence their popularity with dealers. These improvements were 
brought into use, as has been stated before, by the professional 
trainer, for the sole purpose of making horses trot steadier and 
faster ; but on account of the appearance of style which they forced 




Fro. :!03. — The Head as Usually Drawn up with the Overdraw Check. 



the horse to indicate, and the pride most i^coj^lc exhibit in trying 
to give their horses the semblance of sujjerior form and style which 
it conveys, as well as to intimate, as far as they can, the efforts of 
the professional trainer of trotters, they have, during the past dec- 
ade, come into very general use. 

It may be worthy of mention that this check is peculiar to this 
country, not being, as far as I know, used in any other country, 
only the old form, with its modifications, being used in ICurope. 
In England it is known as the "bearing-rein." 

In originally using this check, or bearing-rein, upon driving 
horses, the object h.is been to use only so much restraint as wf^uld 



IflGII CHECKING. 



251 



prevent the horse from tlirowing the head down below the breast, 
and to curtail the head to its natural position, or slightly, below it, 
which is not seriously objectionable. 

The want of a proper training of the mouth (which is fully ex- 
plained on page 88, and also under " Colt-Training"j frequently 
leads plucky, spirited horses to so lunge or pull recklessly against 
the bit as to make them unmanageable and dangerous. This it is 




Fio. 804. — The Extreme Torture of the Bedouin or Gag Bearing-rein. 

sought to overcome by different forms of severe bits. When giv- 
ing instructions and making experiments, I had almost daily lung- 
ing, kicking, and runaway horses of the worst character brought 
forward to be experimented upon, — horses that when used at all, 
could only be driven by the most severe form of bit ; and I was in- 
variably able to drive such without a check, giving the head entire 
freedom, and I may say, without breeching as well, the most inter- 
esting feature of which was the simplicity of treatment with which it 
could be done. 

In a certain class of lunging, headstrong horses, I call attention 
under that head to checking the head high to repress resistance ; 
but it is given as palliative treatment, in the absence of a better. I 
call attention to it also to prevent a horse from kicking, because it 
is difficult for a horse to kick when checked high. But it is given 



252 



CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 



as a simple means of control, as other treatment is given for objec- 
tionable habits, and does not apply at all to the use of the check 
upon gentle horses in their driving. 

Even those most humane in intentions and feejings are liable 
almost daily to subject the most gentle horses to this very serious 
cause of discomfort and pain. To illustrate somewhat the extent of 
this, I will refer to two cases coming to my notice in one evening, 
just previous to writing this paper. A banker, who had a promis- 




FiG. 305.— Comfort. 



ing three-year-old trotting colt, which he purchased for his own 
driving, having him hitched up one day, invited me to ride. The 
colt's head was checked so extremely high as to make it unpleasant 
for me to witness the pain and discomfort of the horse in trying to 
relieve himself from the restraint. Fig. 302 is a good illustration. 
I took particular pains to explain to the gentleman that this was 
not only entirely unnecessary, but a cause of real cruelty, and that 
I was confident he would not intentionally subject his colt to such 
needless pain and discomfort, when brought to his notice. He, 
like thousands of others, had scarcely an idea what the check was 
for. He " liked to see the head kept high, as it made the colt 
appear better ;" "it was the method of hitching up trotting horses, 
and his colt ought to trot," etc. But notwithstanding my utmost 
efforts, I could not persuade him to leave off the check. 



HIGH CHECKING. 



253 



The same evening I saw a gentle family horse driven by two 
girls. The horse, one of the kindest of animals, was checked as high 
as he could be made to carry his head ; and while driving on a walk 
it was really painful to notice the strained manner in which the poor 
creature stepped, taking up his feet and putting them down almost 
like a blind horse, because the nose being pulled up so high, the 
blinders prevented his seeing the ground before him, at the same 
time working the mouth and throwing the head right and left in the 




Fig. 300. — Showing the Discomfort and Torture of High Checking. 



effort to free himself from the severe restraint. For a good illustra- 
tion of these positions, see Figs. 296 to 301. 

This is only a fair illustration of how many favorite driving and 
family horses, including even some work horses, are unintentionally 
checked up, and compelled to remain so for hours at a time, no mat- 
ter how worked. 

But while the check is less objectionable for light driving, it is 
not only abuse but real cruelty to use restraint upon the head of the 
draft horse in this way, as it to a great extent disables the horse 
from drawing heavy loads. This need not be demonstrated ; any 



254 



CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 



man of observation can see it, and it is finely illustrated in Fig. 308. 
A high English authority, Prof. McBride, says : — 
" I most heartily concur in what has been said about the bad 
effects of the foolish custom of using the check-rein. It is a very 
common cause of roaring in the horse, which statement is indorsed 
by all veterinarians, seven hundred in England alone." 

Figs. 302 and 303 were drawn and engraved expressly for me, 
showing the great discomfort of horses checked high, though the 




Fio. 807. — The Ordinary Side Check, Giving an Easy Rein. 

artist did not fully catch my ideas in his orders, and consequently 
did not express the position as fully and clearly as desired ; in any 
event, they are not overdrawn. 

For the privilege of copying Figs. 293, 294, 295, 306, and 307, 
which tell the story very plainly, I am indebted to Hon. T. E. 
Hill, of Chicago, 111., the author and publisher of " Hill's Manual " 
and other works. They are taken from " Hill's Album," a very 
fine family work. 

Figs. 323, 324 are from photographs of what are termed "burrs" 
that have been used by drivers in New York City upon the bits 



BLINDERS. 



255 



of their horses, and are here given for the purpose of showing their 
effect upon the horses. The side view (Fig. 319) shows the ends 
of the tacks as they extend through the leather. These burrs were 
placed on the bit on each side of the mouth, so that the least pull 
of the reins would force the ends of the tacks against the cheeks, 
thereby producing great excitement and pain. The one copied 
from was taken from hundreds of others like it in Mr. Bergh's office. 
Fig. 317 is given to show their effect upon the horses. It is copied 
by permission from a plate owned by the Humane Society. 




Pig. 308. — The Check-rein on Work Horses. 

Horses are unintentionally subjected to excessively cruel abuses 
by ignorant, thoughtless persons, a fair illustration of which is shown 
in Figs. 321, 322. What as story it tells ! What a degree of abuse 
of a fine horse is here shown! See his head tied up helplessly 
while pushed, perhaps abused, to gratify the pride of a couple 
of thoughtless simpletons ! And yet this is only what can be seen 
almost daily by any observant person in every village and town 
in the country. 

BLINDERS. 

The horse should be able to see plainly. By far the finest and 
most expressive feature of the horse's head is his eyes. They are 



256 



CNSCKIXG JXI) BLIXDEh'S. 




Pig. S09. — Showing the Position of the Eyes in 
the Head. 



also the most useful ; he depends upon them most largely, and he 

should have the greatest freedom in their use. The better to prove 

this, and to show their location 
^ '* and position in the head, I give 

illustrations copied from life 
(Figs. 31:?, 313\ showing how 
singularly we" adapted they 
are to enable a horse to see 
not only on each side, but be- 
hind and before, as may be re- 
quired, and the necessity for 
giving them the utmost free- 
dom for doing this. Nature, 
who does everything right, 
most wisely requires this, and 
it is but the hight of ignorance 
and folly in any one to assume 
to change or interfere with her 
plans. 
During my early public experience, when I gave exhibitions 

in driving horses without reins, it was noticeable that every motion 

of the whip, though held directly 

over the horse's back, was promptly 

obeyed, — that the horse, in fact, 

could be controlled quicker and bet- 
ter by the simple motions of the whip 

than ne could by bit and reins, giving 

the very best demonstration of this 

singular power. 

Instead of making the horse unsafe, 

he is really made safer and more 

tractable by his being able to see 

everything around him plainly, that 

is, when he is so trained, this being 

the important condition in making 

him safe. Now, not only are blinders 

a serious obstruction to the horse's 

seeing clearly, but they are often a 

cause of much injury by striking 

against the eyes, or by being pressed upon them. In pointing out 

this cause of harm lately. I found a piece of wire connected with the 

ornament of the blind, which became raised and pressed into the 



A h 




Fig. SIO. — Showing the Position of 
the Eyes. 



j'.LiyjjEns. 



257 




■iS- 



^ 



4*' 



V 



Fig. 3U. — Fashion. The Blinders 

as now Formed. The Eyes 

Completely Covered. 



eye almost a quarter of an inch, so 

as to cause serious injury. The blinders 

had been pressed close up to the side of 

the head, and against the eye to such 

a degree as to attract my notice. This 

is a common occurrence, as the clinch 

of the wire holding the ornament either 

extends beyond the surface of the leather, 

or becomes raised more or less, and hence 

is a very common cause of injur}- to the 

eye. I have frequentlj- found the outer 

edge of the eye abraided and raw from 

this cause. 

A horse is naturally suspicious and 

afraid of anything he does not plaihly 

see, or does not comprehend the nature 

of, and hence he must either be pre- 
vented from seeing objects at all, or be 

permitted to see them plainly. Any one 

can understand that if compelled to look 

through a small slit or narrow space, 

it not only in the first place increases the difficulty of seeing, es- 
pecially while moving, making 
it very trying on the ejes, but 
it makes it clearly impossible 
to see things as plainly as if 
the eyes had entire freedom. 
This is just the effect blinders 
have upon the horse's eyes. 

Xow, of late years, in the 
large cities especially, the 
fashion has become quite com- 
mon of making the blinders 
not only very large, but in the 
form of a bowl, that is, hollow 
in the center, and the edges 
brought forward in saucer 
shape, carrying it to such an 
extreme that they really cover 
up the eyes and prevent the 

horse from seeing at all, or but very little out of the front corner of 

the eye ; and harness-makers throughout the country are foolishly 

idopting this plan of forming blinders. 




IlG. 312. 



-The Eyes so Covered that the Horse 
Cannot See. 



258 



ClIECKlXi} AXD BLIXDEltS 




Representative Cases. 
I made a special effort to obtain the aid of an artist to make 

photographs of repre- 
sentative cases, so as to 
have an absolutely cor- 
rect illustration of a 
good average of them, 
but found it so difficult 
to secure one to do this 
that I was compelled to 
be satisfied with draw- 
ings, which, while not 
ijust what I wanted, give 
a very good idea of the 
form and position of 
blinders upon the heads 
of fashionably equipped 
coach horses, including 
the opposite of rough specimens to be often seen in the country, 
which will be noticed with interest. 

In experimenting upon such 
horses as were brought to me be- 
fore classes for illustrating the ef- 
fects of treatment, I always gave 
the fullest freedom of sight, no 
matter what the object, and could 
always soon make the horse en- 
tirely indifferent to the object or 
cause of fear. This is, in fact, 
one of the most important essen- 
tials of success. 



Fig. 313. — The Fashion in the Country. 




%.> 
1^^ 



Fig. 314.— The Old Farm Horse with Blinds. 



The Horse Should See. 

A horse can be driven to a top 
carriage with close blinders, when 
he cannot without ; this is be- 
cause he was never permitted tO 
see the top while in this position, and if permitted to see it sud- 
denly or unexpectedly, it would be liable to frighten or excite 
him very seriously, and would be dangerous to have him do so. This 
is frequently illustrated very forcibly by taking off or changing the 
bridle on a horse while hitched to a carriage. The horse being 
thus permitted suddenly to see the top behind him, which is now 



BLIXDERS. 



259 




Fic. 315. — The Corners of the Blinders Dang- 
ling against the Eyes. 



an entirely new object to him, will often show such violent fear 
as to resist all restraint and run away. One of two things must 
be done ; viz., either cover up 
the eyes so that he cannot see 
the top, or give him entire free- 
dom in seeing it, when the 
cause of the trouble «ill be easily 
overcome. 

It is true that blinders may be 
used in certain cases to over- 
come natural defects, the same 
as other appliances are used to 
overcome certain difficulties ; 
but they are only necessary, 
when at all, on account of im- 
proper or defective education. 

First, a lazy horse will drive 
steadier and better when he 
cannot see the motions of the whip, because such will learn to 
watch the whip when raised for punishment and jump to avoid it, 
and then slack up again until the effort 
is repeated. But if blinders are used 
upon such horses, they should be so 
formed that they will not interfere side- 
ways or forward, or in any way injure 
or touch the eye. They should merely 
prevent him from looking back. 

Second, a horse which has an ugly 
looking head, or a serious defect in an 
eye, or has suffered the loss of an eye, 
will be improved by the use of skillfully 
applied blinders, which will serve to con- 
ceal the defects ; and this, as before 
explained, was the cause of their intro- 
duction. 

Third, if the horse is but imperfectly 
trained, and not accustomed when hitched 
to a top carriage to see it, the careful 
covering of the eyes with blinders will 
enable driving of the horse with com- 
parative safety so long as the blinders are kept so, and will pre- 
vent the occurrence of a large portion of the accidents that are of 




Fig. 316.— Blinders Striking 
against the Eyes. 



260 



CHECK ISC AXb JlUXUEHS. 



daily repetition throughout 
the country,' resulting in such 
frightful loss of life and prop- 
erty. 

I would repeat that there 
would be no more necessity 
nor sense in using blinders 
upon horses driven in harness, 
if properly trained, than there 
is in using them upon horses 
under a saddle ; and who would 
think of disfiguring and en- 
cumbering a horse's head, no 
matter how poor, with blinders 
when used for the saddle ? 

Look at these matters in a 
reasonable, practical manner. 
Imagine yourself in iIil- horse's place, and try to feel how you would 




Fig. 317. — Horses Excited by the Torture of the 
Burrs Shown Below. 




Flu. ;il«. Burrs. Halt Size. 



Fio. 31(t.— Side View, Showing Length 
of Tacl(S. Half Size. 



like to be hampered and disabled as horses are forced to be while 
subject to the arbitrary control and often to the most unreasonable 
abuse of a vain or ignorant driver, while compelled to work hard. 
Treat the horse in the same spirit of generosity you would be 
yourself treated under like circumstances. Then there are other 



A J'L/iA FOR THE HOUSE. 



2<A 



points. There is often 
shameful neglect of 
horses when hitched- 
They are left unsheltered 
and uncovered in the 
cold and rain, while their 
riders or drivers arc in 
some drinking saloon, 
toasting their shins in 
comfort, drinking from 
the cup that exhilarates 
only to deprave or de- 
stroy the best impulses 
of their natures. With a 





Fio. 321.— In the Hands of Fast Young Men 

without reason and without 
mercy. They are clubbed, 
and kicked, and cursed, and, 
in fact, treated with every 
conceivable indignity prac- 
ticed by barbarous tribes 
upon captive prisoners. 
There is no spectacle more 
calculated to excite the pity 
and sympathy of the be- 
nevolent and philanthropic, 
than the faithful old family 
horse, worn down with serv- 



brain on fire with excite- 
ment, or bcnumh>ed with 
torpor, the poor horse is 
rlriven home again, heated 
and exhausted, to be fol- 
lowed perhaps by a chill 
hat often seriously injures 
or destroys the poor animal 
by causing inflammation in 
the feet (founder) or inflam- 
mation of the lungs fpncu- 
moniaj, etc. They are un- 
necessarily lashed and sav- 
' d upon the bit. 




Fro. .'522.— Ruined by Fasi Driving. 



262 



ClIECKIXG ASD J! I.I X I) E US. 




_M^ 



Fig. 323.— The Effect of being Improperly Broken 

least claim to being con- 
sidered a gentleman would 
need to be appealed to to 
treat his horses with hu- 
manity, if not with kind- 
ness ; )'ct it is unfortunately 
the case that such appeals, 
made by disinterested men 
and women of humane im- 
pulses and by our humane 
societies, are often unheed- 
ed or regarded as the mer- 
est sentiment. 



ice, overloaded and whipped 
into hard drudgery in his 
last days, when he should 
be released from work and 
permitted to end his life in 
peace. Surely there is no 
domestic creature toward 
which civilized man display's 
> much in humanity as to- 
.ird this constant and faith- 
ful companion of his labors 
and pleasures ; and it would 
seem that no man with the 




Beaten by a Cruel Master. 




It should not be difficult 
for one to see that a reason- 
able sense of responsibility 
should prompt to the most 
considerate care of every an- 
imal on the farm. Not only 
does kind treatment make 
them more easily managed, 
but imperceptibly the feel- 
ing is felt in the home, mak- 
ing the relations of life more 
beautiful and hapj)}-. 



Fin. 33.^.— The Last Days of the old Family Horse. 



Chapter XII. 



THE MULE. 

"TTTE frequently had mules brought in to experiment upon, and 
\/\/ often found them exceptionally good subjects. A mule when 
' ' vicious is supposed to be not only very dull but extremely 
bad, and if the treatment is not made right, becomes really very 
difficult to manage ; but when managed according to the experience 
of our later years, we always found this animal among the very best 




Pig. 326.— a Favorite Mute. 

of subjects. No matter how bad the character of the mule, or how 
vicious the resistance, he always works in, in a short time, entirely 
gentle. The treatment we used with most success at first was the 
Second Method, and it was rare that we found one that did not sub- 
mit to this readily. However, it was not in all cases the clear suc- 
cess we could desire, and we then depended upon the simpler meth- 
ods of treatment, making sometimes a good deal of work ; but when 

(363) 



264 



THE MULE. 



we struck the Third Method in connection with the Second, we 
found mules to yield to treatment very readily. I have in mind two 
cases which will fairly illustrate others. 

When I was in Cleveland, O., after having very decided success 

for a week or two, the subjection 
of the Malone horse in the first 
place attracting very wide at- 
tention, parties from the West 
Side brought over one evening 
an extremely vicious mule, they 
feeling sure that it would break 
me down. I was asked if my 
treatment would work upon 
mules. I answered, " Yes." A 
man spoke out, "Bring in that 
^ mule." I found a very fine, large 
"> fellow that had been used to a 
— cart, would kick violently, and 

c 

'c would not have the feet handled. 

•c I subjected him rapidly for a few 

o> minutes to the Second Method, 

E using the War Bridle a little in 

1^ addition, when he submitted un- 

= conditionally within six or eight 

I minutes. The success of the ex- 

cl periment was a cause of great 

53 merriment, and was regarded as a 

f=< great feat. In point of fact, the, 

greatness of the feat was entirely 

owing to the great susceptibility 

of the mule to control. 

At a small town in Central 
New York certain parties made 
a great effort to break me down, 
and depended mainly upon a very 
vicious mule to do so. This mule 
had been hitched to a fence out- 
side, and outrageously abused by 
being punched with a sharp stick, making him perfectly reckless. 
In this condition he was brought in for treatment. He was subjected 
rapidly to the Second Method for a few minutes, followed by the 
Third Method, and became perfectly gentle within ten minutes, and 
was driven without breechine. 




THE MULE. 265 

The mule, I think, is, if anything, more susceptible to treatment 
than the horse, and he is usually more abused and less cared for than 
the horse. The popular opinion in relation to him is not at all fa- 
vorable ; but I have found that mules could learn anything about as 
easily as any intelligent horse. When I was in Fostoria, O., a man 
there had a small mule that appeared to be half starved, and, as a 
matter of pity more than anything else, I was led to buy him. We 
trained this mule to throw boys, and to do anything that the ponies 
could do. He would squeal, laugh, and do many amusing tricks, 
and could throw any living man. I sold him when in New York for 
five hundred dollars to circus men. 

I would advise in all cases very kind treatment to mules. Sub- 
ject rapidly for a few minutes to the Second Method ; it will rarely 
be necessary to use more, and if the case is not made vicious there 
should be no exception. If a mule is treated gently, given little 
presents, and flattered, and especially if spoken to kindly when ap- 
proached in the stall, there should be no more trouble in approach- 
ing him than a horse. It is a matter of a little care and good 
management. I include here an illustration of mules as driven in 
the South, and it is but just to state that I have never been more in- 
terested than to see common negroes drive a team of from four to six 
mules before a spring wagon with a single line. Indeed, I am can- 
did in admitting that it was a greater feat of nice training than any we 
were able to give in driving horses without reins ; and I often felt 
like taking off my hat to those negroes in admiration of their re- 
markable success as teamsters. A negro rides the near pole mule, 
then a long rein is extended forward to the lead one, and either 
pulling or jerking indicates to this leader which way to go ; and, so 
far as I could see, they could be driven as accurately around a cor- 
ner or any point as could be done with the best of management with 
reins. 

The treatment of sickness and injuries for mules is practically 
the same as that for horses. For bruises or saddle gall, I think it 
advisable to state here that, being so simple, there is nothing su- 
perior to cold water. Remove pressure from the part, and bathe 
thoroughly in cold water. This method, simple as it is, stands over 
all others for allaying acute inflammation. Simply pour on pure cold 
water, and repeat as may be necessary. In some cases, as described 
in the medical department, hot and cold water alternated may be 
better. It will depend upon the amount of constitutional disturb- 
ance caused by the intensity of the pain. 



Chapter XIII. 



MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. 



Cribbing. 

THIS is a habit for which there has been no practical remedy. 
Many claim that it is caused by indigestion, and that by neu- 
tralizing the gas generated in the stomach in consequence, a 
horse will cease to crib. Mr. O. H. P. Fancher, who thirty years 
ago traveled extensively as a professional horse-tamer, and who is 
specially referred to in the first chapter as claiming to tame horses 
by the use of certain scents or medicines, was the most pretentious ad- 
vocate of this theory ; but I have never 
known, on any reliable authority, of any case 
being cured by use of medicine. It has also 
been claimed that cribbing is caused by the 
teeth pressing too closely against one an- 
other, a reliable remedy for which is sawing 
between them. I have known of a great 
many cases treated in this way, but without 
any success, except that in some cases the 
habit is prevented for a time by the soreness 
produced by the filing. Driving wedges 
between the teeth has also been resorted to, 
the effect of which would be so much pain 
as to prevent the horse from cribbing for some time. 

A horse will not crib on anything that is lower than the knees, 
consequently a practical way to prevent the habit is to tear away the 
manger, and feed the horse from the floor or from a basket. 

To break up the habit the only practical remedy is punishment, 
as hereafter explained. 

Saturate the manger, neck-yoke, and straps, if inclined to bite 
them, with kerosene oil. Rubbing the parts bitten upon with strong 
fly-blister, may next be tried ; or get cayenne or red pepper pods, 
boil down to a strong decoction, and wash the parts the horse may 
be inclined to bite upon thoroughly with the solution. To be re- 
peated at least once a week, for a month or more. The object is to 

(266) 




Fig. 328.— a Horse in the 
Act of Cribbing. 



CRIBBING. 



261 




make the lips and mouth so sore as to prevent the inclhiation to 
bite. This method will often work very satisfactorily ; but, like the 
treatment first advised, must be done thoroughly to be effective. 
Covering the parts with sheep-skin will seldom do any good. 

W. D. Gross, of Kutz- 
town, Pa., advertises a 
device for the cure of 
cribbing, for which he 
claims much. It is simply 
a thin plate of metal 
placed over the upper 
front teeth and fastened 
by small bolts. This will, 
of course, make the 
gums sore, if pressed 
upon to any extent, and 
will undoubtedly work 
well, and is worthy of 
trial ; the objection is 
the difficulty of fastening 
the plate to the teeth. 
Cribbing can be stopped 

by buckling a wide, flexible strap, moderately tight, around the 
neck. It should be from three to three and one half inches wide. 
A narrow strap will not work well. 

When in Bath, N. Y., many 
years ago, I noticed that a 
horse when cribbing at a post 
in the street contracted the 
larynx and muscles of the 
neck forcibly during the act. 
Instantly it occurred to me 
to make the experiment of 
putting such an adjustment 
upon the throat-latch as to 
• cause sharp pain when there 
was an effort to repeat the act. I went to a harness-shop, pro- 
cured some six-ounce tacks, drove them through a strip of leather 
about half an inch apart, and filed the points sharp and of equal 
length. I laid this bit of strap on the inside of the throat-latch, so as 
to bring the points of the tacks under the larynx, and kept it in 
place by winding each end and the center with a piece of waxed- 



FiG. 829.— The Halter Adjusted for Cribbing. 




Fig. 3:i0, — Throat-strap with Tacks. 



268 



MISCELLA XEO US HA BITS. 



end. I now buckled the throat-latch long enough so that it would 
not touch the neck when eating or swallowing, yet so close as 
to bring the points of the tacks sharply against the throat at 
the least attempt to crib, and stood by to notice the effect. 
The first time the horse tried to crib he was hurt so keenly 
that he jumped almost from the ground. In a short time he tried 
it again, with the same result ; the third time he only gave a lit- 
tle nip, and then stood quietly for some time. I now had him 

changed to another location, 
with a man close by to note 
the results. He reported that 
the horse did not crib any 
more during the afternoon. 
I have broken several horses 
of the habit by this means, 
and think if the adjustment 
is made right, and continued 
long enough, it will be found 
to be very effectual. Success 
will depend upon the care 
with which this is kept ad- 
justed. If there is large mus- 
cular development of the 
neck, the strap must be 
buckled shorter than when 
the neck is well cut out, as it 
is termed. Make the reproof 
severe at first ; then keep the 
tacks so adjusted as to touch sharply when the habit is repeated^. 
If the throat-latch is not on a line with the top of the head, the 
tacks cut the jaw a little below the juncture of the head with the 
neck. If this is kept on a few days or weeks, and then taken off and 
again adjusted carelessly, there is likely to be a failure. If the horse 
finds he can crib once with this on without hurting himself seri- 
ously, he will be encouraged to repeat the effort, and will soon pun- 
ish himself severely to do so. But if punished at first, and this is 
kept where it will hurt keenly at the least attempt to crib, and is 
left on a few weeks, it ought to be successful. It will not do to 
buckle a strap around the neck. The adjustment must be made to 
the strap of the halter, and the halter must fit nicely to the head. 
It must be made like a bridle, with brow-piece, so that it will not 
shift or move on the head. A boy broke five horses of this habit a 




Fig. 331.— Halter as Used by the Frencli. 



WIXD - 8UCKIXG. 



269 



few years ago ; but he became careless and failed on the sixth. 
There is, once in a while, an old horse of determined character that 
will crib in defiance of this or any other means. Such cases are, 
however, rare. A young, nervous-tempered horse will yield readily 
to the treatment, and but few horses will attempt to crib while wear- 
ing a muzzle. 

Since writing the above I find in a French work an illustration 
which I copy, giving the same 
idea but much more complex 
than the method before given. 
It is included, however, as a 
point of value, and can be stua- 
ied in connection with the ex- 
planation given. 

If a strap be buckled rather 
tightly around the neck, a horse 
will not crib while it is on. This 
is, however, but a simple pre- 
ventive. There is also the ob- 
jection that gradually the horse 
may learn to resist, to overcome 
which the strap has to be 
buckled tighter, which of course 

obstructs the circulation, and p,„ 33..._Throat-slrap as Used by the French, 
causes inflammation, thus pro- 
ducing serious and permanent injury. If a strap is used for this 
purpose, it should be fully three inches wide, and buckled just 
tight enough to prevent the inclination to crib. A wide strap works 
a great deal better than a narrow one, and is less liable to do harm. 

WiN'D-SUCKIXG. 

Sometimes a horse sucks wind without the habit of cribbing. I 
include a cut of a form of bit to prevent this, for which much is 
claimed. A practical horseman of experience gave me the point. 
He claimed that it would work perfectly in preventing the inclina- 
tion to crib and suck wind. 

Procure a piece of gas-pipe about seven inches long. Drill a 
hole across each end, through which put in rings, as seen in cut ; 
next, drill four or five holes, as shown in cut. The theory is that 
the gas in the stomach cannot escape through the mouth on account 
of its being closed, and that instinctively the horse will bite on 
something to open the mouth and throw off the gas. With this bit 




270 



MISCELLAXEOUS HABITS. 




Fig. 333. — Bit Made of Gas-pipe, for preventing 
Cribbing and Wind-sucking. 



in the mouth, the air passes through the small holes in the center, 
and out through the ends. (See Fig. 333.) 

The gentleman referred to positively assured me that in several 
cases known to him it worked with perfect success. 

Putting the Tongue Out of the Moutpi. 

If the tongue is put over the bit, have a piece of thin sheet-iron 
about two and one half inches wide and five inches long, with the 
ends rounding, and the edges filed smooth. Drill two small 

holes Fig. 336) near each 
edge, at the center, and 
fasten to the bit. Shorten 
the cheek-pieces of the 
bridle, so that the bit is 
drawn well up in the mouth. 
This piece of iron renders 
it impossible for the horse 
to get the tongue over the 
bit. The simplest and best way of preventing this is to have 
the smith make a mouth-piece, as represented in Fig. 335, 
which is seen to be bent up, and comes so high in the mouth that 
the horse cannot get the tongue over ; this works well, and is not 
inconvenient to drive with. It should be bent up at least two and 
three fourths to three inches, come well out to the cheek-pieces, 
and be filed smooth to prevent 
cutting or chafing the mouth. (See 
Fig. 335.) The tongue is some- 
times, but not often, put out under 
the bit. For such cases the follow- 
ing treatment will work well : — 

Get three medium-sized bullets, 
and hammer them out to about an 
inch and a half in length. Drill a 
small hole through the end of each. 
Tie one to the center of the bit 
by a little piece of wire through 
the joint. Attach the others to 
the bit about an inch from the 
center (one on each side), so as to 
play loosely. 

When this bit is in the mouth, these extra arrangements will sa 
disconcert the horse that in his struggles to get them out of the way, 
he will forget to put his tongue out. (See Fig. 337.) 




Fig. 334. — Manner of Putting tlie 
Tongue out. 



KICKIXG IX STALL. 



271 




The next best way is to buckle a strap around the nose so that 
the mouth cannot be opened. This, of course, prevents the tongue 
being put out, and in a short time the habit -w-ill be broken up. 
There are bits now made for this habit, which may be obtained of 
dealers. 

Pawing ix Stall. 

A horse will not paw much unless he can hear the noise ; so a 
good method of preventing this habit is to muffle the foot by tying 
a piece of blanket around it. Next, by attaching a piece of chain or 
clog to the foot, as follows : Get a piece of chain about ten inches in 
length, run a short strap 
through one of the end 
links, and buckle it around 
the foot above the fetlock ; 
or a piece of light chain can 
be fastened to a small block, 
and attached to the foot in 
the same manner. When 
the horse attempts to paw, 
the clog or chain rattling 
against the foot so discon- P^^ 3.,^ 

certs or hurts him that he 
will repeat the movement but a few times. 

Kicking in Stall. 

Kicking with one foot against the side of the stall is a habit 
which many horses are liable to learn, and, like pawing, it is some- 
times very annoying ; therefore it is important to be able to prevent 
or overcome it. In the first place, it is rare that a horse will learn to 
kick against the side of the stall if it be large and roomy. Large 
stalls are, in all cases, very important for the health and comfort of 
the horse, as well as for convenience in going around him. The 
simplest and best way of preventing this habit is to pad the side of 
the stall, which will prevent the sound of the striking, when the in- 
clination to kick will soon be overcome. Or, attach a clog or piece 
of chain to the foot, as explained for pawing. 

Another method is to tie some thorny bushes together, and sus- 
pend them over the place kicked, so as to swing freely when struck- 
When the horse kicks, the rebound will bring the bushes against the 
legs, so frightening and hurting him that the attempt to kick will be 
repeated but a few times. A clog may also be hung over the place 



272 



^nSCELLANEOVS HABITS. 




Fi(i 3:30. 



struck or kicked, which, when struck, would react in the same way, 
and thus prevent a repetition of the habit. Making the stall wide, 
and padding the sides as explained, are the most simple and practi- 
cal methods for preventing this habit. 

Getting Cast in the Stall. 

This is mainly caused by being confined in a stall that is too 
small. When the horse rolls and turns upon his back, he is so 

cramped and restrained by 
the narrow walls that he is 
unable to roll himself back 
to regain his feet. Some- 
times the division of the 
stall is so short that in the 
effort to roll, his body comes 
across, and in contact with, 
the ends, and, the head be- 
ing held fast by the halter, 
it is impossible for him to 
get up ; so a large, roomy 
stall would of itself be al- 
most a complete remedy. The simplest way to prevent it is to tie 
one end of a piece of rope or cord to the beam or flooring directly 
overhead, and the opposite end to the head-piece of the halter 
back of the ears, leaving it just long enough to allow the horse 
to reach his nose to the 
ground. As he lies down 
and tries to roll, being un- 
able to bring the top of his 
head to the ground, he is 
disabled from rolling. A 
small ring should be stitched 
to the top of the halter, to 
which the strap or cord can 
be easily and securely fas- 
tened when necessary. 
Some horses are liable, by 

J* 10. 3^1. 

pawing, to get the fore foot, 

and in some cases even the hind foot by scratching the head with 
the leg, over the halter-strap, thereby becoming tangled and help- 
less in the stall. The halter should be hitched higher than com- 
mon, though long enough to permit the horse to lie down easily. 




KICKING COWS. 273 

JUMPING OVER FENXES. 

Every dairyman knows that a cow or ox will not attempt to 
jump a fence, pull it down, or run, while a board is over the forehead, 
attached to the horns in front of the eyes ; this simple means will 
usually work well upon cattle, but will not do upon a horse, because 
it gives too much freedom to see over the nose. 

If a horse or mule, put on a halter that fits well to the head — 
a five-ring halter is best. Next, find a piece of fine leather (an old 
boot-leg will do), about as long as the head, and from four to five 
inches wider than the head is at the eyes. Attach a string at each 
corner. Attach the upper corners by the strings to the halter, where 
the brow-piece is attached to the cheek-piece. Tie the cords at- 
tached to the lower corners back of the jaw, being careful to leave 
freedom enough for the jaws to act when eating. Let the ends now 
pass over the throat-latch, and make fast. The horse is simply dis- 
abled from looking ahead or over the nose, which will disconcert 
Tiim sufficiently to prevent jumping or throwing the fence down. 
If an ox or cow, attach the upper corners to the horns, and pass 
the strings around the neck instead of over the throat-latch. 
Tender-Bitted. 

Use a large, smooth mouth-piece, with leather cheek-pieces, so 
as to let the bit rest about an inch lower than usual in the mouth. 
Next, try winding the bit with a piece of chamois-skin which has 
been saturated with tannin or alum, to harden the mouth. 

KiCKiXG Cows. 

Many years ago a man who attended my class in Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., reported to me that he had a very bad kicking heifer, and as 
a matter of experiment, he put the War Bridle on her and gave her 
a sharp lesson with it, as directed for breaking a colt to lead and 
drive. After a few minutes' treatment, he found that she stood per- 
fectly gentle to be milked, and he had no more trouble with her. 
Some time afterward, while in the dairy counties, I gave this point 
to my classes, and I have since had a good many especially bad 
kicking cows brought forward to be experimented upon, the treat- 
ment in all cases proving successful in a few minutes. 

One of the most amusing incidents that occurred in making 
these experiments was at a little town near Jamestown, N. Y. At 
the time I carried canvas, and after getting through the regular ex- 
periments, a notoriously bad kicking cow was brought in for treat- 



274 



MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. 




Fig. 338.— Arrangement of the Cord for 
Leading a Cow. 



ment. As usual, a few pulls of the War Bridle made her stand to 
be milked as gentle as could be desired. While the class were amus- 
ing themselves over the ease with which the cow was controlled, 

and somewhat at the expense of the 
owner, with the cord still on, she 
suddenly, and without warning, 
rushed through the wall of the can- 
vas, almost tearing down the whole 
tent, and ran through the main 
street of the town toward home. 
Every dog in the street took after 
her, making a most ludicrous scene, 
no one appearing more amused 
than the owner. He came into the 
class on condition that I would 
make the cow gentle to be milked 
at home. He never came back to 
report on the success of the ex- 
periment. The course of treatment is about as follows: — 

Put on the War Bridle, second form, pull right and left a few 
times ; then stand off at a safe distance, and pull a little upon the 
teats. If there is resistance, punish ; so repeat, until there is no re- 
sistance. Sometimes the teats are sore, and the pain caused by 
milking is very severe. Take Goulard's extract 2 oz., sulphate zinc 
2 oz., lard 2 oz., and rub upon the parts a few times. This is a fa- 
vorite remedy among dairymen for sore teats, cake in the bag, etc. 
This prescription I know to have been sold for fifteen dollars, and it* 
is prized by dairymen in Northern New York, where the medicine 
is sold especially for their use. 

To Lead a Cow Easily. 

Tie a rope around the head under the horns, bringing the knot 
over the ear. Now bring the rope forward and under the ear, again 
forward over and under the cord. By pulling now, the cord will 
tighten around the ear, hurting so severely that the cow will lead 
freely. 



Chapter XIY. 



TEACHING TRICKS. 

IN this chapter I give the portraits of my old group of trained 
horses and ponies, whose performances were regarded with such 
great interest by all who witnessed them, that for a number of 
years I was compelled to give an extra exhibition daily for the 
benefit of ladies and children, for which a regular admission fee was 
charged ; and it was universally conceded that these exhibitions 
were more interesting than those of any circus. The performances 
of Blind Billy were regarded as especially remarkable, from the fact 
of his being totally blind. He was, without question, the most re- 
markable performing horse that has ever been exhibited in this or 
any other country. I give a very fine portrait of this remarkable 
horse, sketched by a leading artist. 

The details of teaching a few tricks, which I give in this chap- 
ter, will be of special interest to farmer boys, who may desire to 
train their colts in this way. A horse seems more intelligent and 
tractable when trained to perform a few simple tricks, such as telling 
the age, kissing, bowing his head, kicking up, turning right and left, 
or following with the whip, etc., all of which any intelligent boy can 
easily train a colt to do. 

In training a colt or horse to perform these tricks, there should 
be no hurry or effort to teach more than one thing at a time. Make 
the lessons short, and repeat until thoroughly learned, when another 
can be taken up ; but do not continue the lesson long enough to ex- 
cite or confuse the horse. 

To Follow by the Whip. 

One of the simplest and most interesting tricks to teach a horse 
is to follow at the motion of the whip, without bridle or halter. It 
is even quite useful, as it teaches a horse to follow at command from 
one part of the barn to another, or to come Qut of his stall without 
attempting to get away. Full details of teaching this trick are given 
in the chapter on " Colt-Training." 

To Nod His Head, or Say " Yes." 
To teach a horse to bow, or nod his head, prick him lightly on 

12751 



276 



TEACI/lXa TRICKS. 



the back with a pin, and continue until in his effort to avoid the an- 
noyance he drops his head ; then instantly stop the pricking and 




caress him. Repeat the pricking until the head is again dropped, 
when caress and give him something of which he is fond. Continue 
to alternate in this way with the pricking and caressing, until at the 



DETAILS OF TEACHING. 



277 



instant a motion is made toward the back, or even to take a pin from 
the coat, he will drop his head. 

To Shake His Head, or Say " No." 

To teach a horse to say " No," prick him lightly on the top of 
the shoulder with a pin until he shakes his head, when stop and re- 
ward him. Repeat the pricking until at the least motion toward the 
withers the horse will shake his head. 




Fig, 340. — Blind Billy. 

To Tell His Age. 

To teach a horse to tell his age, prick him lightly on the back 
part of the leg until, to avoid the annoyance, the foot is lifted, or 
there is an effort to paw ; for this, stop and caress him. Repeat 
until the least motion toward the leg will cause him to paw the 
ground. 

In teaching this trick, the body is naturally bent a little while 
in the act of pricking the leg, and by repeating, the position will 
soon indicate to the horse that he must paw. This position is to be 
maintained until he paws four, five, or six times, or as many times as 
he is years old, when the position is changed, and the pawing ceases. 



278 



TEA ClllXa THICKS. 



To Kick Vv. 

To teacli a horse to kick up, simply prick him on the rump with 
a pin until there is an inclination to kick up, when, as before, stop 
and caress him. Repeat until the least motion toward the rump will 




Fig. 341.— Blind Billy Running alter and Catching his Trainer when Playing 
Blind Man's Buff. 

induce him to kick up ; then touch with the whip, aiid repeat until 
at the mere motion of it he will kick up. 

These tricks may be made quite interesting by talking to the 
horse somewhat as follows : " Tommy, I want you to tell how old 
you are ; will you do it } " and signal for the horse to shake his head, 

as if refusing. Then exclaim, as if 
surprised, " Oh, you can't tell your 
age, I suppose, without being paid 
for it ! Will you do it if I give 
you a lump of sugar.?" and signal 
for him to nod his head. You can 
now signal for him to tell his age, 
and when he has done so, it gives 
him an air of sagacity which is very 
amusing and interesting. Again, 
you may ask : " What will you do 
to one who does not treat you 
well?" Then signal for him to 
kick. His prompt obedience, of course, indicates to the spectators 
that he understands what is said to him, when in reality he is only 
obeying the signals which have been taught him. The nice point 
lies in giving the signals in such a manner that they will not be 
noticed or understood by the spectators. 




Fii:. :! I J— Blind Billy Kicking up. 



DETAILS OF TEAGUIXG. 



279 




Fig. 343.- 



-Blind Billy Walldng on his 
Knees. 



Teaching to Kiss. 

Kissing is a very simple trick to teach a horse, and it adds 
greatly to the interest of those already explained. Stand facing the 
horse, with the right side turned partly toward his left shoulder, and 
let him take a piece of apple from your hand, which is held toward 
his mouth. Bring it nearer each 
time, and finally let him take a 
piece in the same manner from be- 
tween the lips. When he does not 
reach forward promptly to take the 
piece of apple from the lips, prick 
him with a pin at the point of the 
shoulder. Repeat until he gets the 
idea of avoiding punishment by 
bringing his mouth to that of the 
trainer when desired. Now put the 
apple farther into the mouth, which 
will compel him to open his lips to get it. Commence lessening the 
size of the apple, finally giving it to him as a reward after he has 
performed the trick of bringing his mouth to that of the trainer. 
This will teach him that by doing this he will escape punishment 
and receive reward. 

To Lie Dowx. 

A horse is taught to lie down or to sit up 
principally by means of the whip or bridle, as 
follows : Tap the horse smartly across the shins 
until he will drop upon his knees. This method, 
however, requires a good deal of care and judg- 
ment, or it will occasion needless pain and pun- 
ishment before the horse is made to submit. I 
will give the following method, which, thoiicrh 
slower, is better calculated for amateurs : — 

Tie the bridle-reins into a knot back of the 
neck, throw your strap over the back, under 
the body, and tie to the near foot below the 
fetlock. .Now pass the right hand well over 
the back, and take a short hold of the strap. Cause the horse to 
step toward you, and pull the foot up. Then pass the left hand 
around the reins, pull back and down upon them in such a manner 
as to turn the head a little to the off side, at the same time pulling 




Fui. .344 — Blind Billy in 
his Great Act of Walk- 
ing Erect. 



280 



TEACIIIXG TRICKS. 




Fig. 345. — Tommy. Sketch from Life. 



down steadily but firmly on the strap over the back with the right 

hand. As the 
horse goes down, 
gradually pull 
the near rein, so 
as to bring the 
head to the left, 
at the same time 
pressing d o w n 
and from )-ou 
firm!)- with the 
right, until the 
hor.se will lie 
down. Now pass 
the end of the 
^^ strap through 
the ring of the 
bit, draw through 
gently, step over 
the neck, and as 

the horse attempts to get up, pull him back, until he lies quiet. 

Rub and caress him, and after lying a few minutes, say, " Get up, 

sir ! " Repeat in this way a few times, until the horse will lie down 

readily. Then 

while holding 

him on or near 

the knee with 

the strap, h i t 

him on the shin 

of the other with 

a small whip, un- 
til he will bring 

it under and lie 

down. After a 

while he can be 

made to come on 

his knees and lie 

down by simply pulling the head down a little and hitting the leg 

with the whip, at the same time saying, "Lie down, sir!" repeating, 

until the horse will lie down to the motion of the whip. 




Fig. 346. — Tommy in his Vicious Act of Defending the Ring. 



DETAILS OF TEACHING. 



281 




Fig. 347. — Tommy as the Model 
Riding Pony. 



To Sit Up. 

When the horse will lie down promptly, put on him a common 
collar, and while down take two pieces of rope, each about ten feet 
in length, tie the ends around the hind feet, carry them forward be- 
tween the fore legs, and bring 
them once around the collar. Now 
step on his tail, take the bridle- 
reins in the right hand, while hold- 
ing the ends of the rope firmly in 
the left. Give a little jerk on the 
reins and say, "Get up, sir!" 
When the horse throws out the 
forward feet and springs to raise 
himself o'n the hind feet, he finds 
himself unable to complete the 
effort, on account of the hind feet 
being tied forward under him, and 
so brings himself in a sitting po- 
sition. Instantly step forward, holding the ropes firmly, rub and ca- 
ress the head and neck a little for a few seconds, then as you see the 
effort to keep up becoming tiresome, let loose and say, " Get up,. 

sir ! " By repeating in this way a 
few times, the horse will soon learn 
to sit up when commanded, without 
being tied. 

To Throw Bovs. 

To teach a horse to throw boys, 
first make him kick up as before 
explained. Then have plenty of 
straw on the ground, put a boy on 
his back, and while holding the 
halter make the horse kick up 
sharply by pricking, or touching 
him with the whip. The instant 
he kicks up, have the boy throw himself forward over the shoulders, 
for which give the horse a caress and a piece of apple. Repeat 
until he will, at the motion of the whip, make an effort to get the 
boy off. When he has done this, put on a larger and stronger 
boy, so that he must make a greater effort to get him off. Watch 
the point carefully, and see that the boy comes off when the horse 
makes an effort to throw him, otherwise he will soon become dis- 




FiG. 348. 



-Tommy in his Great Act 
of Throwing. 



2S2 



TEACUIXG T KICKS. 




Fig. 349, — Tommy as the Gentle Pony. 



couraged. By persevering in the treatment, he will soon learn to 
throw the most expert rider. But it will be noticed that he will 
make a greater effort sometimes than at others. When he does not 
seem to work well, put on a poorer rider, and work up again gradu- 
ally. When the horse makes a par- 
ticularly good point, give him ap- 
ples, and caress him, for encour- 
agement. It is important now to 
teach the horse to throw his rider 
only when commanded, or at a sig- 
nal. To do this, when the boy is 
on, lead the horse a short distance 
around the ring, and then signal 
for him to throw. Repeat in this 
manner, also letting him go around 
alone with the boy on his back, 
until he will go on a sharp trot or 
run, and throw when commanded. 

I trained a pony to throw so expertly that he would at times 
turn a man or boy over in a double somersault, and bring him down 
squarely upon his feet. The best throwing pony ever exhibited in 
this country was admitted to be "Tommy." (See Fig. 348.) He 
has been exhibited in all the principal places in the North ; and al- 
though the best riders, from the bare-back circus-rider to the mus- 
tang-trainer on the plains, have tried, no man has ever been able to 
sit squarely upon his back one minute after the horse was signaled 
to throw him. His performances in this way have been regarded as 
wonderful. He will even carry two boys on his back for a while, 
and then at the motion of the finger throw them both. This some- 
times afforded a good deal of amusement. First, if a boy was indi- 
cated to him as being good, he would allow him to ride as long as 
he wished, and then to safely slide off behind down to the ground. 
Then another boy would come who perhaps used tobacco, or had 
some other vice, when the pony would throw him immediately. 
Again, if there was a sharp political campaign, a Democrat and a Re- 
publican boy would mount him at the same time, and the one who 
could ride him the longer time could declare his party the victor. 

To give something of an idea of the wonderful performances of 
these ponies, especially the expertness with which Tommj' could 
throw a rider, I give some extracts from the press : — 

Last night a large number of our leading citizens, by special invitation, were 
present at Prof. Magner's exhibition on Cham])lain Street. 



DETAILS OF TEACHING. 



283 



The first exercise was performed with Blind Billy, a pony stone blind. He 
sat down as commanded, and walked upright on his hind legs several times around 
the ring. A handkerchief was thrown down in the ring, and the pony ordered by 
his master to find it. After walking around a few minutes, the pony came to a stand 
and seized the article in its mouth. Several other interesting tricks were performed 
by this blind pony, but the most laughable scene took place when the spotted wild 
horse, Tommy, was introduced. He presented every appearance of a wild steed, and 
ran restively about with distended nostrils and fiery eye, his mane bristling like the 
quills of a fretful porcupine, but at the approach of his master he became as tame as 
a lamb. Every one was invited to try their equestrian skill on Tommy, and all who 
tried were thrown to the ground, tenderly, but in the twinkling of an eye. Mr. Mag- 
ner offered $100 to any one who would ride Tommy one minute. Several tried, but 
none were rewarded with success. One ambitious gentleman threw off hat, coat, 
and vest, and said he "would be d d if he didn't ride him. " Tommv was too 




Fig. 3.50. — Tommy in his Vicious Act — Chasing a Boy out of the Ring. 



much for him. He was thrown several times, and finallj- concluded that he had bet- 
ter let Tommy have his own way. — Cleveland Leader. 

Fux ox THE Parade. 

The parade yesterdaj' morning presented such a lively scene as has not been 
witnessed for some time. The occasion was the exercise of some trained horses by 
Mr. Magner. Straw was plentifully strewn on the ground, and expectation was high 
while the arrangements were going on. A cordon of boys and men were arranged, 
a rope placed in their hands, and a ring formed around the straw, into which soon 
pranced the first animal. This one cut up all sorts of circus capers, the most notable 
and mo.st heartily applauded feat being the dexterous unseating of a small colored 
boy,' who had the hardihood to allow himself to be placed astride the animal. Next 
came a totally blind animal, which performed miraculous antics at bidding. 

The last feature was the crowning one. A spotted horse was led into the arena 
amid the plaudits of the vast assemblage present on the ground, and the Reform 
Club, which appeared en masse at the windows. After various gesticulations by the 
horse, a challenge was sent to the multitude for some one to mount. A lars'e darkev 



284 TEACHING TRICKS. 

essayed the task ; but no sooner had he pronounced himself " Ready." than Spotty 
raised his hindermost legs, lowered his head, and 1. d. went careering through the 
air. " Golly, boss I dat hoss can't do dat again ;" and so up he went again, to be 
treated the same way. only more so. A fairer complexioned auditor then attempted 
it. but he was treated in like manner. In fact, it is quite impossible for any one to 
remain seated when that horse takes a notion to unseat him. The prompt unseat- 
ing of these two worthies so amused the multitude that Mr. M. thought they had had 
fun enough for one day. and so announced the show over. 

His class in this city was a large one, numbering over forty members, compris- 
ing our leading citizens, all of whom acknowledge the superiority of his system over 
those of other trainers who have visited this localitv. 




F;.,,. :^j:.— Tufco and Gifford, as Driven without Reins. 

His power over untamed horses is said to be marvelous. — Xeit London (f'imu.y 
Evening Gazette. 

A Wonderful Performing Blind Horse. 

Among Prof. Magner's fine troupe of horses is one that is blind. This beautiful 
pony — for he is beautiful — is a wonder. He seems to understand every word said 
to him, and will perform the most difficult feats with an ease and rapidity that is 
surprising. He will go to any part of the ring, find and bring a handkerchief, 
take it from his leg. or any part of his body, go lame, go right or left, back, go ahead, 
sit down like a dog on either side, squeal like a pig, roll over, walk and kick on his 
knees, put his ears back and forward, kiss, with many other tricks, showing the 
greatest intelligence and most skillful training. 

He was not touched with a whip during the whole performance. The professor 
simply stood at the center-pole, and talked to him as he would to a boy. He is. 
without doubt, the finest and most remarkable performing horse in the world. — 
Ckreland Leader. 

An Exciting Incident. 

Mr. Magner's tent is crowded daily to witness the performances of his wonder- 
ful ponies, and attend his lectures. One of these beautiful ponies, among other 
amusing performances, will throw any one from his back. Testerday, when Tommy 
was introduced, a crack circus-rider came forward to ride him for the reward of one 
hundred dollars. He stated that he came to Buffalo to set the monev. as he could 



DETAILS OF TE AC 111X0. 285 

ride Tommy, or any other horse, as long as he pleased. At this turn in affairs a gen- 
eral stir was manifested, ■which culminated in the most intense excitement. It was 
proved that no ordinary man could ride the cunning little fellow, as shown by his 
performances for weeks. But here was a trained athlete, that could turn a somer- 
sault on a horse bare-back without being thrown ; would it be possible to throw 
Mm ? There were serious apprehensions that he could not. Mr. Magner stood silent 
a. moment, with the reserve characteristic of him, contemplating the intruder, as if 
to say, "You may, perhaps, do it. but not if I can prevent it ; " while the other stood 
with folded arms, showing the most perfect confidence in himself. 

It was a scene worthy the brush of a painter. The immense throng present 
were hushed into silence, waiting for the contest. A signal brought Tommy upon 
a run. The whip was passed around his nose quietly, when the athlete was invited 
to come forward, who, disdaining help, lightly bounded upon the pony's back ; but 
before he had time to say Jack Robinson, Tommy commenced a series of gyrations 
that would astonish an Indian, and sent his man fully sis feet into the air. It was 
beautifullj- and grandly accomplished ; but would he. could he, do it again ? 

The trial was made, and, as before, the pony went into the air with the quick- 
ness of lightning, and, after a little more prolonged effort, sent his man heavily to 
the ground But the contest was not yet over. All the desperation that pride and 
confidence could excite seemed to be now called into the actions of the man for a 
final test. He mounted more carefully, and. with a grasp of iron, awaited the onset. 
It soon came ; for Tommy, seeming to be now conscious of the task upon him, 
twisted and turned and jumped as if a demon, his eyes flashing fire, until, with a 
tremendous bound, he sent the man high in the air from his back, this time fully 
vanquished. It was a grand performance. Many, with feelings of intense admira- 
tion, crowded forward to caress the noble little fellow, while Mr. Magner seemed as 
proud of his pet as if he had won a kingdom. It was the finest and most exciting 
■exhibition we ever witnessed. — Buffalo (X. T.) Courier. 

Driving without Reins. 

Thirty years ago driving a stallion without reiiis was regarded 
as one of the most interesting feats of training ever exhibited. That 
a spirited horse, or a span of them, — stallions, — could be driven, 
guided, and controlled by only a whip, seemed so' remarkable that 
people came in crowds many miles to see it done. Yet it is one of 
the simplest feats of training, and one of the finest illustrations of 
the ease with which even horses of naturally bad temper can be 
made manageable when properly treated. I but refer to it here, as 
the limited space at my disposal will not admit of giving the details 
of this feat of training. Those specially interested to learn it will 
find full particulars in my work, '' Facts for Horse-Owners." 



Chapter XV, 



EQUESTRIANISM. 

THAT there is no exercise to be compared with horseback-rid- 
ing is conceded by all well-read physicians, as well as by all la- 
dies and gentlemen who have given it a test. One has only to 
look at a person returning from a ride on the saddle to see at once 

the beneficial result. The tinge 
on the cheek, and ruddy glow 
on the whole face and neck, is 
a positive assurance of the fact. 
It will prove a sure cure for dys- 
pepsia in its worst form, if one 
will but persevere in the de- 
lightful recreation. But some 
one wull say, " Oh, I cannot ride 
horseback ; it is too violent an 
exercise." And why ? Simply 
because the attempt is made 
without any knowledge of the 
art, if it may be so called. The 
fundamental principle of the art 
of learning to ride is to learn 
one thing at a time, and learn 
to do that well, before attempt- 
ing to do anything else. The 
first thing to learn is how to sit 
upon a horse. One should be- 
come perfectly at home in a 
saddle upon a constantly mov- 
ing horse, so that whether it 
walks, trots, canters, shies, or jumps, he will either not lose, or will 
immediately regain, his position. The proper seat is a firm one in 
the saddle, with the legs below the knee free, and the body above 
the waist supple and pliable. Whatever movement the horse makes, 
whether to the right or left, or tipping backward or forward, the 
hips must conform to it, while the legs from the knees downward 

(286) 




Fig. 3.52. — Horseback-riding. 



PRACTICAL HINTS. 



287 



are free to obey the rider's -vvill, and the upper part of the body re- 
tains its balance by accommodating itself instinctively to every 
movement. If the upper part of the body be kept rigid, its effect 
will be to remove the hips from their place in the saddle. If, on the 
other hand, it be flexible, it will yield and sway with every move- 
ment, and will be left free to obey the motions of the saddle. 

In Tommy's act of throwing the boys, described in another 
chapter, whenever a boy or young man would sit in the saddle 
rigidly, with a firm grasp of the mane, no matter how strong or sup- 




FiG. -353. — An Insecure Position. 



pie he might be, the pony would throw him with great ease, and 
with the force of a bullet, from his back ; but when a young man 
came in who would sit and balance himself on the pony's back as if 
with the greatest carelessness, harmonizing the motions of his body 
freely with those of the pony in the attempt to throw him, it would 
frequently require the greatest effort to dislodge the rider. ' 

The position assumed in the saddle should be with the weight 
of the body supported directly under the hips, the spine curved in- 
ward, and the head and chest thrown backward. We give two illus- 
trations from Leach, showing the insecure and the secure positions in 
riding. The rider in the first illustration exhibits the greatest cau- 
tion and timidity, with his body bent forward, and his whole at- 



"2SS 



£<,iL'£:STA'IAXIS.U. 



titude one of rigiditj-. The second illustrates the freedom with 
which the body may be managed when the seat is secure. When a 
landsman first goes to sea, he finds it extremely difficult to adapt 
himself to the motions of the vessel, stumbling and falling like a 
child learning to walk ; but with practice he soon gets what is 
termed his " sea legs." The principle is the same in learning to ad- 
just one's self to the motions of the horse in riding. 

The learner should make no attempt to guide or manage his 
horse, nor even trouble himself how to mount and dismount. Lot 



t' "'^■M '' 1^-H 



■,~i4M 




Fig. 354. — A Secure Seat. 

him get into the saddle, turn his toes inward, press his knees 
against the saddle, but not his calves, bringing the flat of the thighs 
in the largest contact with it. Curve the spine inward, and throw 
the shoulders back. Let the arms hang listlessly by the side. 
Holding mainly by the knees, shift the seat from side to side and 
from front to rear, with as little swaying as possible of the upper 
part of the body. Continue this practice, no matter how long it 
takes, until the seat is firm, and the learner can move in any direc- 
tion while keeping the spine curved inward. When the rider has 



PRACTICAL JinVTS. 



2S9 



accustomed himself to the slow motion of a walk, let the speed be 
increased, until finally the horse is galloped with a long bridle-rein, 
under all his motions, and the rider feels comfortable and easy, and 
has learned to depend only on his thighs and the flexibility of the 
body to maintain his position. 

Having perfectly accustomed himself to the seat, the pupil may 
now put his feet into the stirrups, and learn their use. They should 
be used as a matter of comfort and convenience, as it is fatiguing to 
ride with the legs dangling at the horse's side. In walking, a gentle 




Fig. 3.5.5. — Ideal Points of a Good Riding Horse. 



support of the stirrups keeps the body from swajing from side to 
side as the horse moves. In trotting, — when stirrups are almost in- 
dispensable, — they permit the horseman to either " rise to the trot," 
or to distribute the shock in "riding hard" between the feet, the 
seat, and the thighs, so that it is no longer a shock, but becomes a 
quick, easy movement. The stirrup-leathers should be so adjusted 
that the iron will just touch the bottom of the feet, giving them sup- 
port without raising their position, while the inner part of the thighs, 
as far down as the knees, are pressing firmly and immovably against 
the saddle, and the legs below the knees hanging vertically. 

In ordinary riding it is best to have the ball of the foot touch 
19 a 



290 



EQ UE STRIA NISM. 



the stirrups, as the play of the ankle-joint gives more elasticity to 
the support. But in galloping or leaping it is best to " drive the 
feet home," and carry the stirrups in the hollow of the foot. We 
consider the wooden stirrup in common use in this country to be 
the safest and best. 

The main office of the stirrups is to rest the legs, while at the 
same time they assist in maintaining a proper position. But in case 
of any sudden start, the knees and thighs should be at once perform- 
ing their duty of grasping the saddle. They cannot do this if the 




Fig. 856.— a Good Model of Riding Horse. 



weight is thrown too much upon the feet. It is also important to 
learn how to stand in the stirrups while the horse is in motion, turn- 
ing so as to look to the rear, to throw the weight first on one foot 
and then on the other, and to assume every possible position rapidly 
and easily ; for all this adds to security, freedom, and grace in the 
seat. 

The following is the correct manner of mounting by the aid of 
the stirrups : First take the reins in your left hand just over the 
horse's withers. Stand with your right side to the horse, not too 



PRACTICAL HINTS. 



291 




Position in Mounting. 



near, and put the left foot in the stirrup. Grasp the horse's mane 

with the rein hand, the pommel of the saddle with the other, give a 

spring with the right foot, and vault into the saddle, throwing the 

leg back and over the horse. 

Now rest the balls of the 

feet in the stirrup, and close 

the knees against the horse 

to keep a firm seat while 

trotting fast. 

It is impossible to ride 

really well on an average 

horse without a curb bit ; 

but it is impossible to ride 

well on any horse unless the 

curb bit is properly made 

and adjusted. And no one 

can either ride with pleasure 

or become really a good 

horseman on a horse that is in constant pain from an ill-fitting bit. 
The beginner should use the reins of the snaffle only, grasping 

a rein in each hand at a length that will give him command of the 

horse. The proper manner of holding the reins, is, however, in the 

left hand, the curb reins divided by the little finger, the snaffle reins 

divided by the middle finger, the ends of both sets carried up 
through the hand and secured 
by the thumb, which should 
be uppermost, and pointed to 
the ears of the horse. By 
bending the wrist to the right, 
so that the knuckles come 
uppermost, the horse is 
turned to the right. By bend- 
ing the wrist to the left, so 
that the fingef-nails come up- 
permost, the horse will be 
turned to the left. There 
should never be tension on the two bits at the same time. The 
horse should be ridden upon the curb ; the snaffle should be used 
to fix the hight of the head, and occasionally to take the place of the 
curb to freshen the mouth. 

Particular attention should be given to having the saddle 
adapted to the size of the person who is to use it. If it is too large 





Fig. 358.— Army Bit. 



Fig. 359.— Ordinary Bit. 



292 



EQUESTRIANISM. 




Fig. 360.— Holding the Reins. 



for the rider, it will not only give him discomfort, but will increase 

the difficulty of acquiring a seat. 

Invalids, or those not accustomed 
to horseback-riding, should select a 
horse that is gentle and fearless, easily 
managed, sure-footed, and elastic in 
action. A riding-horse should not be 
used in harness, as this soon destroys 
the elasticity and smoothness of action 
necessary for easy riding. If the horse 
is at all vicious and unmanageable, 
he should be subjected to such treat- 
ment (as explained under that head) 
as will insure his entire docility and 
easy management. This is particu- 
larly necessary before attempting to 
ride him in the street. 

]\Iuch of the foregoing instruction 
will apply to ladies learning to ride 

horseback. The lady should so sit upon the horse that her weight 

will fall perpendicularly to the back of the horse, her face directly 

to the front, her shoulders drawn back, and her elbows held to her 

sides. She will permit her body, from 

her hips upward, to bend with the 

motions of the horse, in order that 

she may preserve her balance. The 

right knee will hold the upright horn 

close in the bend of the knee. The 

left foot will be thrust into the stirrup 

to the ball of the foot, and the heel 

will, as a rule, be carried down. But 

"when the heel is elevated, the upper 

part of the left knee should find sup- 
port in the side horn, and for that 

end the stirrup-leather should be 

given such a length as will permit 

this. A lady should never be mounted 

on a weak or stumbling horse. 

The reins are to be held in the left hand, as already described, 

and in a line with the elbow. The whip should be carried in the 

right hand, with the point toward the ground. It takes the place of 

the right leg of the man, and the horse should be trained to answer 




Fig. 361. — Ordinary Side-saddle. 



PRACTICAL HINTS. 



293 



to its application in exactly the same way as to the pressure of the 
man's leg. The horse should never be struck with the whip upon 
the head, neck, or shoulders, as such whipping will render him nerv- 
ous, and may cause him to swerve. 

It does not come within the limits of an abbreviated article of 

this character to give 
the details for the 
training of a horse to 
the different gaits and 
tricks of which he is 
capable under the sad- 
dle, as there are a great 
variety of works im- 
parting this knowledge 
in full, which are easily 
accessible by those 
who desire it. With 
these suggestions, and 
sufficient practice, any 
one may enjoy this, the 
best of all modes of 
exercise. 

If people would gen- 
erally adopt horse- 
back-riding, they 
would starve out half 
our doctors, and would 
live in the enjoyment of much better health than they now do. I 
will give here one of the many cases of restoration to health from 
this exercise that have come under my notice : A lady (whose 
name T will omit) came into my riding-park in a hack from her 
home about a mile distant. I arranged a stand so that she could 
step upon it, and sit down in the saddle without any effort. I led 
the horse around at a walking pace for about twenty minutes, when 
she dismounted, quite exhausted, and was taken home. The next 
day she came again in the carriage, and took another short lesson, 
and so continued to do three or four times a week for about four 
months. During this time she gained in strength to such an extent 
that at the expiration of the time she rode by car to Boston, a 
distance of twenty-five miles, did some shopping, thence to Cam- 
bridge to dine with her mother, and then returned home and rode 
ten miles on horseback. At the end of her ride she said to me : 




Fig. 362. — Position in (he Saddle. 



294 



EQUESTRIAXrSM. 



"I feel no more fatigued than I did this morning when I started 
for Boston." 

This is only one of the many cases that have come under my 
observation of regaining health from this exercise. Let every one 
have good practical training if possible, but get the exercise at all 
events, if you cannot have the training. 

In corroboration of what Mr. Robinson says on the beneficial 
effects of horseback-riding, I copy the following paragraphs from a 




Fig. 36o. a Good Position. 



valuable little work on " Horseback-Riding from a IMedical Stand- 
point," by Dr. Durant, of New York : — - 

Horseback-riding, as we have seen, is one of the most energetic modifiers of the 
circulation ; it distributes the blood equally to every part of the capillary net-work 
giving to each part its due proportion, by maintaining a due tension in every part by 
equalizing the temperature ; it prevents equally anjemia and hypersemia, and san 
guineous stagnation, by the impulsion which it gives to the circulatorj' phenomena 
and aids nutrition by the acceleration of the respiratory and digestive phenomena, 
It is \i\ its effect upon the reactions of the blood to the nervous system that horse 
back-riding produces such a happy influence. 

The effect of horseback-riding upon the functions of the system is especially re- 
markable upon that of digestion. It stimulates the appetite, excites and perfects di- 



PRACTICAL UIXTS. 



295 



gestion, favors absorption — in fact, to use a trivial expression, "It makes the bits 
go down." These are not the only results of the new energy imparted to the func- 
tions which we have studied, all of which concur in the accomplishment of this spe- 
cial one ; it exercises a special influence upon the muscular fiber of the coats 
of the stomach and the intestines. These viscera may be considered as fairly 
suspended in the abdominal cavity, where they are barely held and limited in their 
movements by the folds of the peritoneum. Each shock from the horse shakes 
them and makes them roll, as it were, upon each other, and causes the changes in the 
relations of the convolutions of the intestines. These shocks and knocks and rub- 
bings act as a mechanical excitant upon the muscular fiber, which in consequence 
contracts with more energj-, preserving, however, the peculiar character of the fiber- 
cells ; that is, of contracting slowly and successively, the action of the fiber being in- 
creased and the peristaltic contractions acquiring more power, there results from it 
a more intimate mixture of the juices and aliments in the stomach, a more perfect 
chjrmification of the food, and a more prompt and complete absorption of matters al- 
ready digested ; and, lastly, aU those which have as yet escaped the process are 
brought into the portions of the intestines where their metamorphosis is effected. 




Fig. 364. — An Ideal ot the Family Horse. 



Chapter XYI. 



BREEDING. 

ONE of the primary points of success in any enterprise is to 
start right, and in no respect is this more true than in the 
breeding of horses. The law of like producing like is inexor- 
able ; consequently, to raise good horses, good horses must be bred 
from. Many farmers who are keenly alive to other interests, are 




Fig. 36.5. — Arabian Mare and Colt. 



singularly thoughtless and imprudent in this. If a mare is broken 
down, and unfit for labor, no matter how coarse or badly formed she 
is, or what the evidence of constitutional unsoundness, she is usu- 
ally reserved to breed from. 

On the same principle, no matter how coarse the stallion, if he 
is fat and sleek, and if his use can be obtained cheap, he is selected 

(296) 



SELECTIOy OF STALLIOX. 29T 

for the same purpose. The most ignorant farmer is particular to 
select the largest and soundest potatoes, the best quality of oats, 
wheat, etc., for seed, because he has learned that this is true econ- 
omy ; yet there is the utmost disregard of this law of prudence in 
the breeding of horses and farm-stock in general. This sort of 
economy is like paying a quarter for a chicken and giving a dollar 
to get it carried home. 

It costs just as much to raise a poor, coarse-blooded colt, as a 
fine-blooded one. The cost of feeding and care is really the same, 
the only difference being in the use of the horse. The first will 
possibly sell, when five years old and trained to harness, for from 
a hundred to a hundred and fifty dollars. The other is worth from 
two hundred to a thousand, and possibly more. The first will 
scarcely sell for the cost of feeding and care. The second insures a 
large profit, and this for a little additional first cost. The fact is, 
breeding from poor, unsound horses is so much a detriment, that it 
would be a damage to any one to be compelled to breed from such 
stock, if given for the purpose. 

In Russia, Prussia, and Austria, the breeding of horses is con- 
trolled by the government, each one having large breeding estab- 
lishments, where those wishing, can procure sound stallions, devoid 
of all hereditary diseases. Each stallion is furnished with a certifi- 
cate from the government. Xo other stallions are allowed to serve 
mares, under a penalty. The result is that you will scarcely find an 
unsound horse, except from accidents, etc. Hereditary diseases, 
such as ophthalmia, roaring, rupture, spavin, ringbone, curby hock, 
spongj' feet, etc., are scarcely known. It would be a source of un- 
doubted economy and benefit to the breeders, if the legislature of 
each State would enact such laws, by appointing competent inspec- 
tors to grant licenses to those free from blemish or hereditary dis- 
eases or unsoundness. 

A few years' breeding, under such restrictions, would materially 
increase the value of horses in each State, and thus be a real bless- 
mg to owners and the country. 

In selecting a stallion, first look carefully at his head. The nos- 
trils should be large and well defined ; eyes full, bright, and clear, 
and good breadth between them ; the ears lively, rather short and 
tapering, and the head high between the ears. Next, see that the 
throat shows no enlargement of the glands, indicating a tendency 
toward a whistler or roarer. The shoulder should be oblique, strong, 
and high, the fore leg not tied in under the knee, for such are liable 
to spring. 



298 BREEDING. 

The feet should be of good size, and of sufficient depth to give 
strength to the quarters. Spongy and flat feet should be rejected. 
The loin should be strong, the back well coupled, quarters broad 
from point to point of hips, and running nearly straight out to the 
root of the tail. The stifle should stand low and well out ; hocks 
strong and broad ; no puffs or windgalls, as these indicate weak- 
ness. 

As a colt from such a horse may at an early age show indica- 
tions of blood spavin and thoroughpin, look at the inside of the 
hock for an enlargement at the point of what is called a jack spavin 
or curb. Next, see that there is no enlargement at the edge of the 
hoof, known as ringbone. Weak eyes, blindness, poll-evil, fistula of 
withers, or in fact any unsoundness, should be sufficient cause for 
rejecting a stallion. I need not enlarge upon the fact that the mare 
should be selected with the same care. 

The reader will be aided in the study of disposition, bodily 
form, and the general characteristics of good and bad animals, by 
reference to the illustrations already given, and especially those in 
the following chapter. These will enable the mind to grasp these 
points better than it would be possible to do by the most extended 
verbal descriptions. 

The following from a leading writer on selection is so much to 
the point that I cannot do better than to copy it : — 

To be successful in breeding, special attention should be given 
to the particular variety of horse required. If heavy draught 
horses, or even trotting roadsters, or ponies, are required, both the 
sire and the dam should be selected with special reference to these 
points. Desired effects can in a great measure be produced by 
proper crossings. If the mare is light-boned, or defective in this or 
in any other respect, select a horse that possesses the contrast of 
greater strength. But to insure certainty of what is wanted, the 
mare and horse should be as near the type of what is desired as pos- 
sible, though not related. Disposition should be an important con- 
sideration, as its inheritance will be as certain as that of physical 
qualities. 

Care of the Mare. 

The mare is said to be with foal eleven months, or three hun- 
dred days ; but it is not uncommon for mares to have fully devel- 
oped foals in much less time, and in many instances mares have 
been known to go four or five weeks beyond this time. Time should 
be so arranged in putting mares, that the colts will come at a time 



CARE OF THE MAEE. 299 

when there is some grass, as the mare will do better not to be con- 
fined to dry feed. 

The virgin mare, or one that has not had a colt for one season, 
must be put when she is found in season. The mare that has had a 
colt will be found in season, and should be put on the eighth or 
ninth day after foaling ; some prefer the eighth, others the eleventh. 
Good judges claim that it is dangerous to go beyond the tenth, as 
the mare is apt to come off her heat soon after, and if allowed to 
go to a later period, the sucking of the colt is likely to reduce the 
mare too much to allow conception to take place, and thus a year's 
service of the breeder is lost. 

After putting a mare, the days for trial are the ninth after serv- 
ice, the seventh after this, the fifth after this again. Some commence 
again, commencing with the ninth day, and follow up as before, 
making forty-two days. Twenty-one days being the period elaps- 
ing between a mare's going out of heat, and coming in again, mak- 
ing her periodical term thirty days. Twenty-one days is claimed 
to be sufficient to prove a mare. 

Reference is made elsewhere in this work to the importance of 
protecting the breeding mare from excitement, abuse, etc. Especial 
care should be exercised in this matter, as fright, exposure to bad 
weather, improper feeding, or any influence that would seriously 
disturb the normal condition of the nervous system, will have its 
certain effect upon the colt, often to the great loss of the owner. 

The mare and colt should be well fed, and protected from 
storms. The theory of working a mare hard, and half starving the 
colt, is the poorest kind of economy, since the mare needs generous 
feed and rest, to renew her strength and make her milk, by which 
of course the colt is nourished and made to grow. When size and 
strength will indicate that it is time to wean, which is usually in five 
or six months, put the colt in a quiet pasture, away from the mare, 
where it should be closely looked after. A little oats (better if 
bruised) should be given daily. 

The conclusion of careful breeders is, that it is much better for 
a colt to run in pasture than to be confined in a stable. If the 
colt is intended for farm use, castration may be performed when six 
months old ; if, however, the withers are light, it should be post- 
poned until the head and neck fill up to the degree required, and 
this may require from one to two years, or even more. If the head 
is large and heavy, early castration is advisable. Colts should be 
generously fed, and protected from the inclemency of the weather 
in winter. They should be treated gently ; may be broken early to 



300 



BREEDING. 



harness, if treated gently and with care. This, however, is hazard- 
ous, as there is danger of over-driving young colts if they are driven 
at all. Many seem to take pride in trials to which they subject two 
or three-year-old colts. It is not what they can do, but what they 
ought to be required to do. 




Fw. 36G.— An Arabian Horse. 



Chapter XYIL ^ 



STABLING. 

THE stable should be built on a dry, airy location, facing the 
south when possible. It should be warm, well ventilated and 
lighted, and so constructed as to prevent the exposure of the 
horse to sudden changes of temperature. The stall should be suffi- 




FiG. ;!GT. — As a Horse Usually Stands while Resting in a Field. 

ciently large to allow the horse to turn around or lie down, with con- 
veniences for feeding. The width should not be less than six feet, 
but when practicable it would be better to allow each horse ten or 
twelve feet, to admit of a reasonable degree of exercise. This is not 
merely a great convenience to the horse, but it has considerable in- 
fluence in preventing swelled legs, getting cast, etc. It is also im- 
portant in that it permits a safer approach to a doubtful or vicious 
horse. It is the common custom to make the floor inclining back- 
ward, but this practice is unnatural, as shown by the fact that the 
horse, when left to choose his own position in a field, will almost in- 
variably stand with his fore feet the lowest. (See illustration.) 

The floor should be level ; and to permit this, and at the same 

(301) 



302 



STABLING. 



time keep it dry, it should be constructed as follows : Incline the 
floor backward about two inches, making it water-tight, with an 
opening or drain at the back end for the water to pass off. Arrange 
upon this an extra floor of slats about an inch to an inch and\ 
quarter thick, and five eighths to three fourths of an inch apart- 
The back ends should be two inches thicker than the front, to com- 
pensate for the slope of the floor underneath, and thus give a level 
surface for the animal to stand upon, while the water can pass be- 
tween the slats and drain off. This upper floor should be made in 
two parts, so as to open from the center upward, and stand upon 
edge while the lower floor is washed or cleansed as desired. This is 
the method of construction in one of the most perfect stables in the 

country, to an examina- 
tion of which the author 
is indebted for the idea. 

The door should be 
large, with an extra one 
of slats, which can be used 
during warm weather ex- 
clusively for light and 
ventilation. It would also 
be well to hi.ve screens or 
mosquito -netting over 
the door and windows, to 
protect the horse from 
flies, — a great annoyance 
to sensitive animals. 
One of the most serious objections to stables as they are usually 
constructed throughout the country, is the lack of proper ventilation. 
Usually they are nothing but close boxes, and entirely too small for 
the number of horses kept in them. The doors and windows are 
closed, and the bedding, saturated with ammonia, is tucked away 
under the manger. If there is an upper flooring, it is made the re- 
ceptacle for hay, so that it not only obstructs any possible ventila- 
tion through the stable, but by becoming impregnated with the 
poisoned air below, it is rendered unfit for food. Any one going 
into such a stable, especially during warm weather, will have the 
eyes immediately affected by the escape of ammonia, which, with 
the contamination of the air, caused by being breathed over and over, 
makes it even sickening to breathe any length of time. 

It is evident that to supply the weaf and tear of bodily struct- 
ure, the food must not only be good, but of sufficient quantity to 




Fig. 368.— The Accepted Method in General Use. 



SERIOUS OBJECTIONS. 



303 



supply nourishment to the body. Now, a horse can live days, and 
even weeks, without food, while he cannot live five minutes without 
air. 

It is needless to enter into details as to the quantity of air a 
horse breathes in any given time, as every intelligent reader has a 
good idea of this ; but the fact that a horse will quickly die when 
deprived of air is not so forcibly impressed upon the mind. Now, it 
is evident that if the blood is not oxygenated by means of pure air 
passing to the lungs, the system will soon be poisoned ; thus it is 
seen how necessary it is that there should be plenty of air in the 
stable, and as pure and free from contamination as possible. If it 
becomes impure in consequence of there being too many horses in 
the stable, and also loaded with ammonia from the bedding, it can- 
not properly purify the 
blood or carry away i, ,, 

through the proper chan- 
nels the broken-down, 
worn-out particles of mat- 
ter, and thus permit a 
proper nutrition of the 
body. Instead of this, all 
the various conditions of 
disease are engendered. 
This is particularly notice- 
able as the source of oph- 
thalmia, grease, glandular 
swellings, etc. Now, if pure 
air were obtained only at 
a great expense, it might 

be a reasonable excuse for not furnishing it in necessary abundance ; 
but the fact that it is obtainable in all cases with a very little trouble 
and care, renders this neglect little less than a crime, for which 
there should be no excuse or apology. 

An abundance of ventilation in stables may be supplied in vari- 
ous ways, but the simplest and best is substantially as follows : A 
chimney or opening through the ceiling may be made in the form of 
a dome or cupola. The top should be roofed over, and have lateral 
openifigs by means of weather-boards. The most convenient or 
comfortable stable the writer has ever seen had such a ventilator, 
which was so regulated that it could be partly or wholly closed, as 
desired. This was accomplished by means of two cords attached to 
opposite edges of a revolving door, and adjusted in the lower part 




Fig. 309 • 



-Objectionable Method of Tying. 



304 



STABLING. 



of this opening or chimney. Another special convenience was a 
contrivance for obtaining and measuring grain to be fed, which was 
so ingenious that I give a description of it : The grain was con- 
ducted from the loft to the feeding-floor by a spout in which were 
two slides. Pulling out one of these slides a few inches permitted 
the escape of two quarts, and the other one of four quarts, of grain, 
which was deposited in a drawer beneath. In the bottom of the 
drawer was a screw, with a handle projecting from the side of the 
spout. Moving this handle right and left a few times shook the 
bottom like a sieve, and thus removed all the dust and dirt, leaving 
the grain clean, fresh, and ready for use. 

I have found two features about the stables as usually con- 
structed through the countr)-, which are so faulty that I would urge 

the necessity of having 
them corrected. First, in 
the construction of man- 
gers and racks. The man- 
ger, an open trpugh, is 
usually so high that a 
lw^ ■^ap^'^'Sa^^aKa^E^" horse of medium hight 

. P , ■ "? " jj) ^ ^^^^^SKirS <^''" barely reach over and 

put his nose to the bot- 
tom. Extending over this 
manger is a rack so high 
that the horse can scarce- 
ly reach the hay from it. 
There is usually more hay 
packed into this than the 
liorsc can eat at one time, so it is suffered to remain there until it 
becomes stale and sour from the horse's breathing upon it, and the 
exhalations from the bedding, which is usually packed during the 
day under the manger. When the horse reaches for the hay, the 
dust and dirt which have accumulated are thrown over his head 
and eyes. In the first place, the horse does not like to eat such 
trash ; second, it is difficult for him to reach it ; third, he is liable to 
be annoyed, if not injured, by the hay and dirt filtering into his 
•eyes and mane. 

The nearer the horse is made to feed in the stall as he does in 
the field, the better. But if compelled to eat grain from the ground, 
there would be waste. To avoid this, a receptacle must be provided 
in a corner about on a level with the shoulder, from which to eat 
grain ; but the hay should be measured and put in a corner on the 




Fig. 370.— Rack too High. 



I'llOl'ER STYLE OF RACK. 



305 



ground, where it can be easily reached. If there is not too much 
given, the horse will eat it clean. 

The importance of this is now so well understood that all first- 
class horses are fed in this way. For the ordinary work horse, or for 
country stables, a simple low rack or manger, one side made into a 
box or receptacle for the grain, and the other part for hay, is all that 
is necessary. If two horses are kept together, the stall should be 
about twelve feet wide, with grain-boxes at the right and left, and 
the manger for hay in the center. Horses accustomed to work- 
ing together will always agree when kept in the same stall, 
especially when they have separate mangers, and are prevented 
by their halters from interfering with each other's grain. The 




Fig. 'i~i\. — The Accepted Form of Single Stalls. 

mangers and racks should be on a level, and about three feet 
and four inches from the ground. The manger should not be 
less than sixteen or eighteen inches deep ; eighteen inches from 
front to back, and twenty or twenty-two inches in length. For one 
horse, the rack should be about four feet in length. The advantage 
of such a manger and rack is, that all the hay that is put into it will 
be eaten clean. There will be less danger than by the common high 
rack of putting more hay before the horse than he will eat at the 
time, and thus his mussing and spoiling it will be prevented. It will 
entirely obviate the objection of dust and seeds falling upon his head 
and into his eyes, or of pulling the hay out and wasting it under his 
feet. 

Some horses are inclined to throw their hay out with their 
20 a 



306 STABLING. 

noses. This can be effectually prevented by nailing two or three 
bars across the upper part of the crib from the back to the front. 
The hitching ring should be on the off or farther side, to prevent the 
strap from being caught by the foot. If the horse is a greedy eater, 
and disposed to throw the grain out of the box, it can be prevented 
by putting a few round cobbles in the bottom, thus compelling him 
to take his grain slowly. The division between the stalls should al- 
ways be high enough to prevent the horses from interfering with 
each other. If windows are near, they should be so high as to pre- 
vent any current of air from striking directly. 



Chapter XYIII, 



FEEDING AND WATERING.* 

HAY, corn-fodder, oats, and corn constitute the principal food 
of horses in this country ; hay and oats in the Northern 
States, fodder and corn in the South. The food should be of 
the quality and quantity to impart strength, vitality, and elasticity ; 
and this requires some discrimination and care, as the food should 
be harmonized both to the condition of the horse and the severity 
of the labor to which he is subjected. As a rule, the stomach should 
not be distended with food when prolonged, energetic effort is re- 
quired. This is to be especially guarded against in the feeding of 
hay. Greedy eaters can and often will eat so much hay as to unfit 
themselves for active labor, and it usually results in heaves or 
broken wind. Heaves are always found in the teamsters' or carters' 
stables where there is no care in feeding. This disease is never 
found among racing horses, from the fact that the utmost care is 
used in selecting the food and feeding in small quantities, or in 
adapting it more perfectly to the wants of the system. 

It has been demonstrated beyond doubt that the reason horses 
improve so much in wind by eating prairie hay is, that it is so coarse 
that they cannot eat it fast enough to overload the stomach. The 
quantity of hay should be carefully regulated, and never as much 
given as the horse will eat if at all voracious. The majority of owners 
pack a large rack full, either allowing liberty to eat too much, or 
making it unpalatable and unhealthful by being breathed upon. 
From eight to ten pounds is about the average quantity for an or- 
dinary roadster, to be allowed in twenty-four hours, more or less, 
according to the size, the kind of work, and the quantity of grain 
given. Dusty or moldy hay should never be fed, as it is liable 
to produce various forms of disease. 

The food should be clean, and perfect in quality. Hay is most 
perfect when it is about a year old. Horses would perhaps prefer 
it earlier, but it is neither so wholesome nor so nutritious, and may 

* The main points of tliis paper were dictated bj Dr. Siimincrville, of Buffalo, N. Y., to tlie 

writer while studying with Um. 

^ f307) 



308 FEEDING AND WATERIXG. 

cause purging. When it is a year old, it should retain much of its 
green color and agreeable smell.* Blades of corn pulled and 
cured in the summer are unquestionably much better than hay. I 
should certainly prefer this kind of fodder to any kind of hay, for 
fine horses. It is strange that it is not prized more highly in the 
North. 

Oats make more muscle than corn ; corn makes fat and 
warmth. Hence, the colder the weather, the more corn may be 
given, and the harder the work, the more oats. Oats should be 
a year old, heavy, dry, and sweet. New oats will weigh from ten 
to fifteen per cent more than old ones ; but the difference is princi- 
pally water. New oats are said to be more difficult to digest, and 
when eaten in considerable quantity are apt to cause flatulency or 
colic, and derangement of the stomach or bowels. The same may 
be said of corn. If not sound and dry, it may be regarded even 
much more dangerous than oats, and should not be fed. Doing so 
will be at the hazard of the consequences above mentioned. 

The quantity of oats given daily may vary from eight to six- 
teen quarts. If the horse is large, and the work is severe, a little 
more may be given. Corn should be fed in the ear, and like oats 
must be regulated in quantity to the size and labor of the animal ; 
from five to twelve good-sized ears are a feed. I give a larger pro- 
portion of feed at night, and less in the morning and at noon. There 
is ample time for digestion during the night. There is not during 
the day, if the labor is severe. Experience proves that some mildly 
cooling laxative food should be occasionally given. A bran mash, 
made by pouring boiling water on eight or ten quarts of wheat bran, 
covered over until cool and fed at night, from one to three times a 
week, is the finest and best. 

Carrots are a good laxative and alterative before frost, but are 
too cold and constipating during cold weather. They may be fed 
in October, November, and December, but in the Northern States 
not later. 

I feed Irish potatoes, from one to three quarts, with the usual 
quantity of grain, from two to three or four times a week, and would 
recommend their use. Feeding a small quantity of roots and giving 
bran mashes keep the bowels open and the system in a healthy 
condition. Without them constipation is probable, and this is one 
of the primary causes of diarrhea, colic, or inflammation of the bow- 

* In packing or stacking hay, salt should be slightly sprinkled through it so as to destroy in- 
sects. It also aids in preserving it bright, and makes it more palatable and healthful for the 
horse. 



COOKING THE FOOD. 309 

els. If it is desired to make a horse fat in a short time, feed corn- 
meal and shorts, with cut straw, to which add a pint of cheap mo- 
lasses. Nothing like this for recruiting and filling up a horse that is 
out of sorts or poor. 

If the horse is exhausted, or when sufficient time cannot be 
allowed for him to eat and partially digest a full meal, he may be 
greatly refreshed by a draught of warm gruel, or, in summer, of cold 
water containing a small quantity of meal. 

Cooking the Food. 

My attention was some time ago called to the advantage of 
cooking feed for horses. Those who have given the most careful 
study to the principles and best methods of alimentation, state, first, 
that well-crushed grain is not only more readily masticated, but 
more easily digested ; second, that cooking the feed enables the ani- 
mal to assimilate a far larger percentage of the nutrition than from 
the same amount of grain fed in its raw state. The amount of grain 
is claimed to be from 20 to 30 per cent. According to report, the 
Germans have long used cooked feed for their army horses, and 
found it to excel all other kinds of feed in giving greater strength 
to the horse, and increasing his power of endurance. It is also 
claimed by the most successful stock-breeders in England and on 
the Continent, that horses and cattle thrive better, and are far 
healthier, when fed on cooked feed than when fed on any kind of 
raw feed. 

I copy from a circular published by the Chicago Steam Cooking 
Feed Company, some of the advantages of cooked feed for horses : — 

1. Many horses are so voracious and eat so rapidly, that they do not properly 
masticate their feed, and, in other cases, the grain is too hard to be properly masti- 
cated. 

3. It is estimated that more than one half of the diseases which afflict horses, 
are induced by the use of uncoolsed feed, and its bad effects upon the digestive ap- 
paratus. 

3. The hard, flinty covering of raw grain can neither be properly ground by the 
teeth, nor is it soluble in the stomach, and most of it passes from the stomach un- 
digested. 

4. All energy expended in attempts to assimilate certain parts of raw feed, is 
just so much waste and positive loss. 

Among the advantages of using properly cooked feed for do- 
mestic animals are the following: — 

1. Cooked and ground feed is much more palatable for the animal, and is very 
easily masticated. 

2. The hard, dry covering of grain, when it has been steamed and ground, be- 



310 FEEDIXG AXD WATEKIXG. 

comes as nutritious as any part of the grain, and adds just so much to its food prop- 
erties. 

3. The entire grain is digested and no portion of it wasted ; nor is there any 
loss in the efforts of the stomach to do the work of the cooli and the grist-mill. 

4. The loss in feeding raw grain is changed to gain in the cooked feed, a smaller 
quantity of the cooked grain giving a larger proportion of animal strength. 

5. The primary cause of much illness and derangement of diggstion in ani- 
mals is removed by the use of properly cooked feed. 

It seems to the writer that cooked feed is especially important 
to horses having weak digestion, and for old, enfeebled horses. 

When a horse is " off his feed," by overeating or want of 
proper exercise, the better way is to reduce his usual quantity of 
grain one half for three or four days or a week, when he will eat 
again as well as ever. 

I here give Mr. Bonner's system of feeding : — 

In the morning, at five o'clock in summer and six o'clock in winter, each 
horse is given two quarts of oats. At nine o'clock two quarts more are given, and 
the same quantity is given again at one o'clock. Before feeding, each horse is given 
all the water he will take, unless he is to be driven, in which case the allowance is 
cut short a little. At five o'clock in the afternoon the allowance of hay is given, 
usually about ten pounds to each horse : and none is given at anj' other time during 
the twenty-four hours. At nine in the evening each horse is given a warm supper, 
prepared as follows : For ten horses twenty quarts of oats are put into a large ket- 
tle and boiled, after which is added about the same quantity of wheat bran by meas- 
urement, with the proportion of a teaspoonful of salt to each horse. The whole is 
thoroughly mixed, and, when sufficiently cool, each is given his share. If not 
driven, each horse is walked from half an hour to an hour daily, and the greatest 
care is taken not to expose them needlessly for a moment without blankets. 

The following is the routine pursued with Dexter : — 

At six every morning, Dexter has all the water he wants, and 
two quarts of oats. After eating, he is " walked " for half an hour or 
more, then cleaned off, and at nine has two quarts more of oats. If 
no drive is on the card for afternoon, he is given a half to three 
quarters of an hour of gentle e.xercise. At one o'clock he has his 
oats again, as before, limited to two quarts. 

From three to four he is driven from twelve to fifteen miles ; 
after which he is cleaned off and rubbed thoroughly dry. 

He has a bare swallow of water, on returning from the drive, 
but is allowed free access to his only feed of hay, of which he con- 
sumes from five to six pounds. 

If the drive has been a particularly sharp one, he is treated, as 
soon as he gets in, to a quart of oatmeal gruel ; and when thor- 
oughly cool, has half a pail of water and three quarts of oats, with 
two quarts of bran moistened with hot water. 



WATERING. 311 

Before any specially hard day's work or trial of his speed, his al- 
lowance of water is still more reduced. 

It is a very bad practice, and one that should never on any con- 
dition be permitted, for grooms or teamsters to give any kind of 
medicine, either for tonic or diuretic purposes. Many a fine horse 
is completely ruined by ignorant grooms and owners, who think 
they can help nature by giving niter and other strong medicines, 
that are never admissible except in certain emergencies, and then 
should be given only very cautiously. 

I am satisfied that many veterinary practitioners give not only 
too much but too strong medicine, which, though of apparent ad- 
vantage for the present, must ultimately result in serious harm to 
the health of the horse. Clean, good feed properly prepared, and 
given in quantities according to the needs of the animal, is safer and 
better than to be giving medicine for every little change of condi- 
tion. 

If the horse is out of sorts, overfed in proportion to his work, 
becomes dainty, or the depurative processes are obstructed by the 
feeding of too much or of too highly concentrated feed, let up on 
the grain, and feed more bran mashes or green food. 

Old horses that are not feeding well, or are running down with- 
out apparent cause, should have the teeth carefully examined (see 
article on the " The Teeth "), as sometimes the horse cannot grind his 
feed. The simplest way of making an examination, is to catch the 
tongue, and, with the hand closed, let its under part rest upon the 
lower jaw, with the end of the thumb forced upward against the 
roof of the mouth. (See illustration of giving ball.) This will com- 
pel the horse to keep his mouth open, so as to enable looking into it 
or passing the hand far enough back to examine the teeth. If they 
are found to be the cause of the trouble, they should be filed down, 
as directed under that head. 

Watering. 

If a large quantity of cold water is taken into the stomach while 
the system is agitated, by the circulation being so increased as to 
open the pores of the skin freely, it is liable to chill the stomach and 
close the pores of the skin, and thus excite some one of the com- 
mon alimentary derangements, as colic or inflammation of the bow- 
els, etc. Hard water, especially cold well water, is more liable to 
cause mischief in this way than soft water. Hard water will affect 
some horses so much as to almost immediately cause the hair to look 
rough or staring, and derange the appetite. Horses that are raised 



312 FEEDING AND WATERING. 

and worked in a country where the water is strongly impregnated 
with lime, are troubled with intestinal calculi ; i. e., stone in the 
bladder. Hence soft water should be given, if convenient ; but if 
well-water be given, especially during warm weather, it should either- 
have the chill taken off or be given very sparingly. 

The best time to water a horse is about half an hour before 
feeding. While driving, the rule should be, little and often. None, 
or only a swallow or two, should be given at the close of a drive, 
until cool. If very warm, the horse should be walked moderately 
where there is not a current of air to strike him, from ten to thirty 
minutes. If any danger is then apprehended, the chill should be 
taken off the water if very cold, and given sparingly, or only a few 
swallows at a time. The common custom is to give about a half 
bucketful. The safer course would be to give less and repeat. 

The rule for ordinary use should be, to give a small quantity 
often during the day, and let the animal pursue his journey or labor 
immediately after. If allowed to stand, the system is liable to be 
chilled, and the absorbents closed, which is the common cause of 
laminitis or founder, although this disease may not develop itself 
until twelve or twenty-four hours afterward. Any cause which will 
chill the horse — either cold winds or cold water — will be almost 
sure to produce this disease. 



Chapter XIX. 



HOW TO TELL THE AGE. 

IT is sometimes very important to be able to determine the ag^of 
a horse ; and as this is indicated most surely by the teeth, I have 
nad made, under my special supervision, a large proportion of 
the illustrations here given, which will be found the fullest and most 




Fig. 373.— The Teeth. 

complete published in this country. I encountered very serious dif- 
ficulties in obtaining these illustrations, as I found it next to impos- 
sible to give the artist an idea of the changes occurring in the teeth 
and form of the jaw with age, but they are as accurate as I could se- 
cure. I have tried also to make 

the description so simple as to 

enable any ordinary person to 

determine the age of horses 

with considerable accuracy, or 

so nearly as to prevent being 

seriously imposed upon. In 

doing this, I have not hesitated 

to appropriate the language o 

others when adapted to my 

purpose. 

At first the jaw is small, and 
to accommodate the position, temporary, or what is termed milk 
teeth, are grown ; these are succeeded by permanent teeth, as the 
jaws become larger and stronger. As the front teeth, or nippers, 
only are usually studied to note the changes which determine the 

(313) 




Fig. 373.— One 
Week Old. 




Fig. 374.— Six Weeks. 



314 



HOW TO TELL THE AGE. 




Fio. 37.";.— One Year Old. 



age of a horse up to eight years, I will try to give such an explana- 
tion of them as will serve to aid the general reader in catching the 
points of these changes most clearly. 

When the colt is one week old, the two 
central nippers are grown about as represented 
in Fig. 373. In from five to six weeks, another 
incisor will appear on either side of the two 
first, and the mouth will appear something like 
Fig. 37-1. At two months they will have 
reached their natural level, and between the 
second and third months the second pair will 
have overtaken them. They will then begin 
to wear away a little, and the outer edge, which was at first 
somewhat raised and sharp, is brought to a level with the inner one ■ 
and so the mouth continues until some 
time between the sixth and ninth months, 
when another nipper begins to appear on 
each side of the two first, making six 
above and below, and completing the 
colt's mouth ; after which the only ob- 
servable difference, until between the sec- 
ond and third years, is in the wear of 
these teeth. 

The teeth are covered with a polished, 
hard substance, called enamel. It spreads 
over that portion of the teeth which ap- 
pears above the gum ; and not only so, but as they are to be so 
much employed in nipping the grass, and gathering up the animal's 
food (and in such employment even this 
hard substance must be gradually worn 
away), a portion of it, as it passes over 
the upper surface of the teeth, is bent in- 
ward and sunk into the body of the teeth, 
and forms a little pit in them. The inside 
and bottom of this pit being blackened by 
the food, constitutes the mark of the teeth, 
by the gradual disappearance of which, in 
consequence of the wearing down of the 
edges, we are enabled for several years to 
determine the age of the horse. 

The colt's nipping-teeth are rounded in front, somewhat hollow 
toward the mouth, and present at first a cutting surface, with the 




-Twenty Months. 




I/OW TO TELL THE AGE. 



315 




Fig. 378.— From Two and One Half 
to Three Years. 



outer edge rising in a slanting direction above the inner edge. This, 
however, soon begins to wear down, until both surfaces are level, 
and the ?nark, which was originally long and narrow, becomes 

shorter, and wider, and fainter. At 
six months the four nippers are 
beginning to wear to a level. Fig. 
375 will convey a good idea of the 
appearance of the teeth at twelve 
months. The four middle teeth 
are almost level, and the corner 
ones becoming so. The mark in 
the two middle teeth is wide and 
faint ; in the two next teeth it is 
darker, and longer, and narrower ; 
and in the corner teeth it is dark- 
est, and longest, and narrowest. At the age of one year and a half, 
the mark in the central nippers will be much shorter and fainter ; 
that in the other two pairs will have undergone considerable change, 
and all the nippers will be flat. At two years this will be more 
plainly marked. Fig. 3TT is intended to show the appearance of 
the mouth at this stage. 

Fig. 378 is intended to show the appearance of the mouth at 
two and a half to three years old. 
The next is intended to show it at 
three and a half years old. The two 
central permanent teeth are growing 
down, and are larger than the others, 
with two grooves in the outer con- 
vex surface, and the mark is long, 
narrow, deep, and black. Not hav- 
ing yet attained their full growth, 
they are lower than the others. The 
mark in- the two next nippers is 
nearly worn out, and is wearing away 
in the corner nippers. 

Between three and a half and four 
years the central nippers have at- 
tained to nearly their full growth, and the second pair will have 
so far displaced the temporary teeth as to appear through the gums, 
while the corner ones will be diminished in breadth, worn down, and 
the mark become small and faint. 

At four years the central nippers will be fully developed ; the 




I. About Three and One 
Hall Years. 



316 



HOW TO TELL THE AGE. 



sharp edge somewhat worn off, and the mark shorter, wider, and 
fainter. The next pair will be up, but they will be small, with the 
mark deep, and extending quite across them. 




Fig. 380. — At Four lo Four and One 
Half Years. 

At four years and a half, or between that and 
five, the corner nippers are shed, and the perma- 
nent ones begin to appear, something like Fig. 380 
The central nippers are considerably worn, and 
the next pair are commencing to show the marks 
of usage. The tush has now protruded, and is 
fully a half inch in hight ; externally it has a 
rounded proniinence, with a groove or hollow in 
the inside. 

At five years the horse's mouth is almost per- 
fect. The corner nippers are quite up, with a 
long, deep, irregular mark on the inside, and the 
other nippers are showing the effects of increased 
wear. The tush is much grown, the grooves on 
the inside have almost or quite disappeared, and 
the outer surface is regularly convex. It is still as concave within, 
and the edge nearly as sharp as it was six months before. 

At six years the mark on the central nippers is worn out. 
In the next pair the mark is shorter, broader, and fainter ; and in 
the corner teeth the edges of the enamel are more regular, and the 
surface is evidently worn. The tush has attained its full growth, 
being nearly or quite an inch in length ; convex outward, concave 
within ; tending to a point, and the extremity somewhat curved. 
The horse may now be said to have a perfect mouth, as all the teeth 
are produced and fully grown. 




Fig. 3^2 — About Four 
Years. 



WW TO TELL THE AGE. 



317 




At Five Years 



At seven years, the mark, in the way in which we have de- 
scribed it, is worn out in the central nippers, and fast wearing away 
in the corner teeth ; the tush also is beginning to be altered. It is 
rounded at the point, rounded at 
the edges, still round without, 
and beginning to get round inside. 
At eight years the tush is 
rounder in every way ; the mark 
is gone from all the bottom nip- 
pers, and it may almost be said to 
be out of the mouth. There is 
nothing remaining in the bottom 
nippers that can afterward clearly 
show the age of the horse. The 
upper nippers will give some indi- 
cations, but nothing certain. 

After the age of eight years, 
there are no points that will en- 
able determining age with any degree of accuracy. A horse that 
is fed on corn will show an older mouth than one that is fed on oats 
and sloppy feed. 

The usual time for determining 
a horse's age is in May ; but a colt 
may come any time between then 
and fall, so that the wearing away 
of the teeth or disappearing of the 
marks or cups may in some cases 
indicate the horse to be older or 
younger than he really is. These 
conditions must be taken into con- 
sideration. 

At six years the teeth are rather 
short, flat, or wide, and the gums 
run across them horizontally, 
something like Fig. 384. After 
the eighth year the gums begin to 
recede from the center, and the teeth become longer in appear- 
ance. By looking at Fig. 390, showing twelve years, we can see 
that the gum is receded and run to a sharp point at the center of 
the teeth. At twenty years, the teeth are considerably narrower 
and longer, and the gums are drawn back sharper. 




Fig. 384.— At Six Years. 



318 



now TO TELL THE AGE. 



By observing the face of the teeth, there will gradually be seen 
a change to the triangular form, which can best be seen and de- 




Fig. 385. — About Seven Years. 

scribed by Figs. 395, 396. From the age of four- 
teen, we see this is more noticeable, the middle 
nippers gradually increasing and extending out 
to the corner ones, as indicated by Fig. 397. 
From fifteen to eighteen this triangular form be- 
comes laterally contracted, so that at about 
twenty and afterward the teeth become biangular. 
As before explained, there are great peculiarities 
in the form of the teeth with advanced age. The 
most common is shown by Fig. 397. I include 

a somewhat 
rare form 
shown by ex- 
treme age. 
(See Fig. 398.) 
Many curious 
tricks and methods of telling the 
horse'.s age after eight years old 
have been shown the writer at 
various times, such as wrinkles 
about the eyes, root of the 
tail, etc., none of which give the 
idea so correctly as the genera 
appearance of the teeth and ab- 
Fk;. 888.— About Eight Years. sorption of the jaws, Ir young 





-At Eight 



now TO TELL THE A<iE. 



31J> 



horses the edge of the lower jaw is round and full ; as the horse 
becomes older, this edge becomes sharper and thinner. 

The most unique trick shown the 
writer of telling the age was the fol- 
lowing : — 

If a gold ring be attached to a hair 
pulled from the tail or mane of a 
horse, and suspended directly above 
his head between his ears, it will 
oscillate, like a pendulum, just the 
number of times the horse is years 
old, then stop and repeat. I have 
repeatedly made the experiment, 
and it certainly seemed to repeat 
the age of the horse ; but I could not fee 




Fig. 389— About Six Years Old. 




Fig. 390.— About Twelve Years Old. 



satisfied that the motion 
of the ring was not in a 
great measure controlled 
by the involuntary move- 
ment of the hand. The 
man who gave the idea 
made the experiment in 
the presence of the writer, 
with apparent success. 

Jockeys frequently re- 
sort to cutting down the 
teeth of aged horses, so 
as to simulate as much as 
possible the appearance 

of the mouth at eight or nine years of age. This was formerly 

done by sawing or filing, but more 

recently there has been invented, 

by Dr. Lancer, a leading veterinary 

surgeon of New Jersey, a very in- 
genious instrument for chipping 

off the teeth, so that the front nip- 
pers can be cut down very quickly 

and easily by any amateur. But 

the breadth of the teeth and other 

changes of form, as explained, will 

expose the deception ; also the 

deep hollow and gray hair about 

the eyes, with the under lip con- 




FiG. 391.— About Twenty Years Old. 



320 



HOW TO TELL THE AGE. 



siderably pendant. This treatment is called " Bishoping," from the 
name of the man who introduced it in England, and is practiced 
very largely by jockeys in the larger cities of this country, espe- 
cially in New York. 




Fig. 392— About Eleven Years of Age. 




Fig. 303 —Mouth of the 
Mare at Thirteen Years. 



I wish to call attention to the fact that horses, 
especially those advanced in years, are liable 
to have the teeth in wearing overlap one an- 
other, become very rough, and wound the inside 
of the cheeks ; or the grinders become irregular 
in length when they do not come opposite each 
other in shutting, or the teeth become carious 
and break away when not correspondingly worn 
with the others, shoot up to a degree to pene- 
trate the jaw, causing soreness and inflamma- 
tion, and seriously interfering with eating. 

The writer saw a very interesting case of 
this kind at the Columbia Veterinary College, 
in which the unobstructed tooth had seriously 
penetrated into the upper jaw. In the endeavor 
to relieve the pressure of the parts, the animal 
evidently masticated the food wholly upon the 
opposite side of the mouth ; in consequence of this the teeth on this 
side were so worn down that both upper and lower jaws were 
twisted around more than an inch out of line. 

Sometimes caries, or ulceration of a tooth, produces such serious 
disturbance that there may be an enlargement of the parts, growth 
of fungus, or necrosis of the parts. This, too, is much more com- 
mon than is suspected. Prof Cressy, of Hartford, called my atten- 
tion to a case in which a back tooth in the lower jaw became ulcer- 




FiG. 394— IWouthofthe 
Mare at Thirteen Years. 



J/OW TO TELL THE AGE. 



321 




Fig. 395.— At Fourteen Years Old. 



ated, causing much enlargement of the jaw. He first removed the 

tooth, then divided the skin at the lower edge of the jaw, and with 

a drill made a hole through the 

bone. Through this hole he put 

a seton to keep the parts open 

until a healthy healing process 

should be produced. A strong 

preparation of carbolic acid was 

put upon the seton, and dressed 

once a day, which finally effected 

a perfect cure. 

When the horse, without any 

apparent cause, is running down, 

munching, or eating his food but 

slowly, especially if there is any 

lateral actionof the jaw, examine the mouth carefully to see whether 

there is any noticeable cause of 
trouble in the teeth. If rough 
and irregular, they should be 
rasped down. The method of 
doing this is now so well under- 
stood as to scarcely need ex- 
planation. 

The rasping down of ail ir- 
regularities should be carefully 
done, and if there is a decayed 
tooth it should be removed by 
a veterinary surgeon who is 

conversant with the simplest and best method of doing it. There 

are regular horse-dentistry im- 
plements in general use for 

this purpose, which can be 

easily obtained. If the tooth 

has grown down below the 

level of the others, it should 

be rasped or sawed off to the 

proper dimensions, and care- 
fully watched afterward so as 

to remove any undue growth 

harmful to the opposite parts. 

Fig. 39".— From Seventeen to Eigtileen Years. 




Fig. 396 —At Sixteen Years Old. 




322 



HOW TO TELL THE AGE. 



If there is any enlargement of either jaw, more especially of the 
upper one, with perhaps a running sore offensive to the smell ; and 
if in addition there is offensive matter running from the nostril on 
^hat side, the trouble may be suspected as arising from a carious 
tooth, and the jaw on that side must be carefully examined. 





Fig. 398.— Extreme Age. 



Fig. 399.— Ideal Colt's Mouth. 



It may be asked, How is it, if the trouble arises from a carious 
tooth, that the matter comes from the nostrils 1 

Answer : By the imprisoned matter forming a sinus into the 
nasal cavity. 

The treatment for all such cases is, first, in the removing of the 
offending cause, namely, the tooth it- 
self, and also, as far as possible, the 
dead or diseased parts, and favoring 
a healthy condition of growth by 
cleansing out the parts with a strong 
solution of carbolic acid or chloride 
of lime,- or any good disinfectant. 
Next, protect the parts from the lodg- 
ment of particles of food, by filling 
with a pledget of tow saturated with the tincture of myrrh, or any 
good healing astringent, and dress once a day. If there is diseased 
bone or fungus growth, it should be treated the same as for other 
difficulties of the same kind.* 

* Since WTitingthe above, my attention has been called to an article in the Joxirnal of Com- 
parative Medicine and Surgery^ of April, 1SS3, by Dr. Robert Jennings, of Detroit, Mich., in 
which he refers to a large number of cases of this description. 




Fig. 400. — Irregular Growth ot Teeth. 



CONTRASTS OF CHARACTER. 



323 




Fig. 401.— a Model Form. 




■■•\i-':::\:;?- 

Fig. 402.— The Famous Eclipse Thoroughbred Racing Stallion. 



324 



CONTRASTS OF CHARACTER. 







GOOD POIXTS. 



325 




Fig. 407 





Fig. 4U9. 



326 



GOOD POINTS. 




BAB FOI.VTS. 



327 





Fig. 412. 





Fig. 413. 



Fig. 414. 



Chapter XX, 




29. — The Fool and Limb 
Hoof Skin Removed. 



SHOEING. 
Preliminary Explanations. 

DURING my early experience I was in- 
duced, by the advice of friends, to 
give what instruction I could on shoe- 
ing. With this object, I had prepared models 
of the hoof, and the best forms of shoes, and 
was frequently led to give short lectures on 
the subject. It was not, however, until I 
visited New York City, in 18T2, and had 
several conversations with Mr. Robert Bon- 
ner on shoeing, that I was able to obtain 
anything like a correct idea of the principles 
of doing this. I found that what was pub- 
lished in books accessible on the subject, was 
but the merest rubbish, calculated in many 
respects to seriously mislead and do harm. 
Mr. Bonner had just purchased the mare 
Princess, the famous old competitor of Flora 
Temple. Her feet were badly contracted, 
and the tendons of the legs greatly thick- 
ened, causing her to move almost as sore 
and stiff as a foundered horse. He assured 
me that before I left the city the feet would 
look entirely natural, and that she would 
travel with as much freedom and ease as a 
colt. From my knowledge of the subject, 
it seemed utterly impossible to cure such a 
case ; and yet, to my astonishment, in less 
than three months afterward she was per- 
fectly well. I was startled, first, to find that 
I knew nothing of the subject ; second, that 
there was so little known about it practical- 
ly ; and third, that a gentleman for his own 
amusement oroved to me that he had a far 

(329) 



330 



SHOEING. 



deeper and more correct knowledge of it than doubtless any man 

of his time.'^ 

At any rate, I was now led to 
study the subject in an entire- 
ly different light, and though 
far from being able to give the 
instruction on this subject I 
would like to do, for want of 
the requisite knowledge, I 
have done the best I could 
to make the instructions so 
simple and practical that they 
will at least serve to correct 
some of the wretchedly bad 
treatment practiced by sho- 
ers. I have tried also to in- 
clude such illustrations of the 




Fig. 430. 



-Lateral View of Horse's Foot after 
Removal of tlie ffoof. 



structure of the foot as would show its 
various parts most clearly, with other 
features of most interest to shoers. 

The bones of the foot are so nicely 
adjusted and balanced by the ligaments 
and tendons of the limb, that there is 
no unequal strain brought upon any 
joint, but each assists in supporting the 
others. But if the heels are raised too 
high, or the toe left too long, there will 
be correspondingly increased strain 
brought upon the ligaments and ten- 
dons supporting the back or front part. 
In like manner, raising or lowering the 




Fig. 4:;i. — Inferior View of Foot 
with ftoof Removed. 



* Indeed, this is conceded now by even the leading members of the veterinary 
profession, as will be seen by the following statement by Dr. Going, formerlj' \eX- 
erinary editor of the jSpw'ii o/tt« Times, which I copy from his Veterinary Diction- 
arj-. He says : — 

" It is said that no man has ever yet reached perfection in any branch of art, 
science, literature, industry, etc. ; but while I am unprepared to join issue with the 
assertion, I can safely say that the nearest approach which has ever been made in 
this connection (horse-shoeing and the study of the horse's foot) has been made by 
Robert Bonner, Esq., of New York, who, had not the Ledger already made him fa- 
mous, would undoubtedly have obtained widespread renown through his almost su- 
perhuman knowledge in this department. I have had the pleasure of conversing 
with him on this subject, and am pleased to have an opportunity of stating the im- 
pression the conversation made upon me." 



SUOEIXG. 



331 



inner or outer quarter would 

produce a lateral strain upon 

the joints and ligaments, J5~ c 

which must ultimately cause 

the foot to grow out of line, 

and induce serious injury. 

Consequently, the point to 

be attended to in removing 

excessive growth of the wall 

in preparing it for the shoe, 

is to preserve or restore the 

natural angle and direction 

of the hoof This is one of 




F:g. 432. — Coffin Bone Showing Internal Lateral 
Cartilage, Internal and Posterior View. 

A, coffin bone; B, internal aspect of the lateral 



the important points, in doing which suc- 
cessfully the genius of true skill and suc- 
cess must be shown. A large number of 
illustrations are given showing good forms 
and positions of the feet and legs, with 
faulty forms. Also the various lines of 
movement of the feet when in motion. 
These are to be studied in paring the feet 
to change or modify the action as may be 
desired. 

First, in preparing the foot for the shoe, 
the aim should be to cut away so much 
of the wall as would be a surplus of growth, 
or so much only as would bring it back 
to its natural form and adjustment. As 
a rule, the wall should be lowered to the 
level of the unpared sole. The sole and 
frog should on no account be pared or 
touched by the knife, nor should the 
heels be "opened." The horny sole and 
frog, unlike the wall, do not grow in- 
definitely ; but when they have attained a 
certain thickness, they throw off the su- 
perfluous or old horn in flakes or scales. 
Fig. 433.-LateralViewofthe This natural thickness of the sole and 
Pastern Bones and Ligaments. frog-horn is an essential condition for the 

a, Lateral ligament of the fetlock; i, Anterior lateral ligament of the coffin joint ; c, Sus- 
pensory ligament ; f, Lateral sesamoidal ligament. 




332 



SUOEnXG. 




Fig. 434. 



maintenance of the foot in health and 
its protection from injury. In any 
event, about all that is necessary to 
do is to remove those loosened and 
detached flakes, which, were it not 
for the shoe, would have exfoliated 
themselves. Cutting away more than 
this becomes a serious cause of in- 
jury. The angles between the bars 
and crust should be moderately pared 
out, as accumulations here, with con- 
tinued pressure of the shoe, are apt 
-^ to induce corns. The frog does not 
require paring more than the removal 
of ragged parts, and even these better 
not be touched. 



A, ospedis or coffin bone; B, trans- 
Terse section of lateral cartilage. 

Second, the shoe should be 
in form, so that when on, the 
adjustment of the foot, or its 
power to obtain hold or grasp 
upon the ground, will be 
what it was before being 
shod, and yet sustain the 
wear for the time it is in- 
tended to be on. 

Third, it should be nailed 
on firmly, yet so as to break 
or weaken the wall of the 
hoof as little as possible, and 
not interfere with the free- 
dom of the quarters or en- 
largement of the foot as it 
grows. 

In its natural condition the 
outer rim or wall of the foot 
comes in contact with the 
ground first ; second, the frog 
and outer edge of the sole ; 
third, the center of the foot ""t-nt 




—Anterior and External View of Right 
Front Foot. 

a, Exterior pedis ligament; b, Suspensory liga- 



SHOEING. 



333 




lis 



/' 



m 



'^ 



\ 



and spaces between the bars and frog. To show this more clearly, 
three sectional drawings are made from half-size casts, showing the 
concavity of the foot at different points between the heel and turn 
of the hoof, and the necessarily great disturbance of this relation by 
the form of shoe 
usually put on. 
Fig. A shows the 
foot at the point 
of the heels as 
it rests upon the 
ordinary thick 
shoe, with calks 
raising the frog 
and sole so un- 
naturally high 
from the ground 
that there can 
be no contact of 
those parts with 
it necessary for 
obtaining mois- 
ture and preserv- 
ing a condition 
of health. In ad- 
dition it will be 
noticed that in 
the way shoes 
areusuallyfitted, 
the bearing sur- 
face is very much 
concaved, tend- 
ing to crowd the 
Fig. 436— Right Front Foot, quarters togeth- Fig. 437 



\, 





Posterior and Slightly 
Lateral View. 



a, c, Perf orans tendon ; f , 
Suspensory ligament. 



-Inferior, Lateral, and Pos- 
terior View of the Right Front Foot, 
Showing Ligaments of Tendons. 

Perforans 



a, Sensitive frog ; 
tendon ; f , Suspensory li 



er. Fig. B shows 

the same, with 

form and fitting 

of shoes as they 

should be ; Figs. C and D show the same at relative distances be- 
tween there and the turn of the foot ; D, at the widest part, repre- 
senting a heavy shoe. (See page 347, Figs. 472-475.) 

If a colt's foot grows too long or out of line, it should be leveled 
down so as to make the adjustment natural, the outer edge 



334 



SHOEING. 




Fit 43s — Horrzontal Section of 
the Horny Frog. 

a, Horn tubes : b, Cells between 
tubes. 



rounded a little, and the colt driven barefoot. It is noticeable that ex- 
„, cessive wear is always at the toe, and 
that the heels rarely suffer, even on 
bad roads, and this being true, tips or 
thin steel plates only should be used, 
and that thick and high heeled shoes 
are not only certainly unnecessary 
but seriously injurious — that, in fact, 
in all cases the best shoeing for the 
feet, for all roads and seasons, when 
in a good condition of health, must 
be such as will 
permit them 
to be as nearly 

barefoot as possible, or, at least, that the 

posterior part is so, yet sustaining the attri- 
tion of wear to which they may be subjected, 

prevent slipping, and best preserve the 

natural adjustment of the feet. 

Tip.s OR Thin Shoes. 
If tips or thin steel plates are to be used, 

simply trim off the wall in front down to a 

level with the sole, and adjust to, and nail on, 

with four small nails, a small thin strip of 

steel or iron a little broader than the thick- 
ness of the wall. Steel would be best, be- 
cause it admits of being made lighter, and 

wears longer. The heels and frog should 

not be interfered with unless one heel is 

much higher than the other, when it should 

be lowered sufficiently to restore the proper 

adjustment. The objection to tips is that, 

as the toe is growing, the heels are wearing, 

which in time would be likely to increase 

the strain upon the flexor tendon and its 

appendages. This disproportion of wear 

would be more rapid and noticeable should 

the roads be wet and gravelly, as moisture Fig. 439.— Horizontal Section 

and grit soften the horn and cause it to °' ""''"I' *^" Enlarged. 

break and wear away more rapidly, but not a, Wall with homy tubes; 

so much as may be supposed on paved 

streets and mud roads. The writer saw 




b, Horn tubes; 
in*. 



c, Horn lam- 



SHOEING. 



335 




Fig. 440— Colt's Foot Three Years Old. 



several horses in New York City that had been shod with tips with 

decided benefit to the health of the feet, and without any apparent 

disproportion or wearing down 
of the frog and quarters, though 
the iron was worn down fully 
a quarter of an inch. The parts 
became, as it were, hardened 
and polished, thereby resisting 
the wear almost as much as the 
iron. 

As there has been much dis- 
cussion among writers in rela- 
tion to the use of tips, or thin- 
heeled shoes, I requested Dr. 
Hamill and Dr. McLellan, the 
two best veterinary authorities 
on this subject in this country, 
to give me a statement of the 
cases for which, in their judg- 
ment, tips would or would not 
be adapted. I give herewith the 

reply of each, and invite the attention of the reader to the points 

made, and the reasons given 

therefor. Prof Hamill says : — 

* * While I am a firm advocate 
of frog and sole pressure, and have driven 
my own horses for years over the pave- 
ments of New York City with nothing 
on the feet but what is known as the 
English tip or toe-piece shoe, which gives 
the foot the entire freedom of all its nat- 
ural movements, yet I must say it would 
be absurd to attempt to shoe every horse 
iu this way. There are any number of 
cases where this system would be in- 
jurious to the foot, and even to the limb. 
But as the foot, or rather that part of it 
inclosed within the hoof, is the object 
oftenest under consideration, I shall ex- 
plain briefly how it may suffer from 
extreme frog-pressure. (One point which 
we should always keep iu view is a due 
proportion, or equal distribution of the 
weight in ali parts of the hoof, and by no 
other .system can the foot be healthy.) 




Fig. 441.— Coil's Foot Four Years Old. 
From a Cast. 



336 



SUOEING. 




Fig. 442.~Half Hoof Removed. 



Anj' foot that is tUin in its general structure, but more so in its vertical position, 
or from top to bottom, and with the frog full at its pyramidal eminence or body, is 
not a proper foot for frog-pressure. In such feet the plantar cushion, or what is 

known as the fibrous or fatty frog, 
is very tliin, is easily made weaker 
by absorption through extreme pres- 
sure or irritation on the horny frog, 
and therefore offers very little pro- 
tection to the great flexor tendon 
where it passes under the navicular 
bone. 

But I may be asked. How could 
this in any way cause injury, if the 
navicular joint be perfect, as the 
tendon requires only a slight cushion 
underneath? My answer is, that 
there is a double impingement of the 
tendon, owing to the navicular bone 
descending on the tendon every time 
weight is thrown on the limb, the 
proof of which is the pain caused 
by this action on the internal struct- 
ures of the hoof. I ask, TThere is 
the shoeing-smith who has not seen the agony of a horse while standing on one bare 
foot on the level floor while the other foot is being shod, and the relief which fol- 
lowed when the shod foot was placed on the floor ? I may be told that such feet 
have been previously weakened by bad 
shoeing and bad care, and that a horse 
which never had been shod would not 
suffer in this way. Those who make such 
assertions are entirely ignorant of the 
anatomy and physiology of the foot. 

My answer is, that when a horse first 
comes to the world he has no frog develop- 
ment, and for the first year of his life, 
while walking on a level, can have no frog- 
pressure. It is only animals that are raised 
on low or marshy land that have a great 
development of frog. Horses belonging 
to mountainous countries have very little 
frog, and generally narrow or apparently 
contracted feet, which is no evidence of 
disease. Witness the ass and the mule for 
example ; and I may add that although 
wide heels are generally desirable, they 
are no evidence in themselves of perfect 
health. I am well aware that most thin 
heels, and generally thin feet, have a large 

frog, but the depth of such a frog is more apparent than real, as it will be found on 
close investigation that the flexor tendon and navicular structure are lower or nearer 
the gi'ound-surface in such a foot. Therefore we must discriminate in all eases, as 




Fig. 443. — Inferior View of the Above. 



SlIOEIXG. 



337 




Showing the Coronary Band. 



oue mistake may cause irreparable injury. To be definite, we can safely give extra 
frog and heel pressure in all cases where the hoof is deep at the quarters, where there 
Is a tendency toward contraction and atrophy of the frog, where the obliquity of the 
pastern is not too 
great, and where the 
feet and limbs are per- 
fectly sound and well 
proportioned. (This lat- 
ter will narrow the 
circle more than most 
))eople are aware of.) 
No thoughtful man 
would dare to throw 
extra weight on the 
sole and frog of a foot 
that had long suffered 
with navicular disease, 
however excellent this 
would be as a pre- 
ventive. Neither 

should we throw extra weight on the posterior parts of a foot or limb where there 
is any soreness of flexor muscles or tendons, or any ligament involved, as it would 
entail greater tension on the parts, while the opposite is what is required, viz., flex- 
ion or relaxation. 

I say distinctly, we should only carry frog-pressure to the extent of bringing into 
activity all the elastic structures of the foot, which increases the circulation of those 

parts so liable to atrophy, and 
only through the circulation can we 
keep up or restore the health, 
vigor, and growth of frog, sole, 
heels, and quarters of the horse's 
foot. 

Prof. McLellan says : — 

In reference to the use of tips, 
I give you only an outline. They 
are useful in the case of corns, 
in quarter-cracks, in thrush, in 
interfering, and in fitting the 
horse to run at grass. They are 
not ajiplicable to feet that have 
thin, flat soles, with low heels. 
They are not applicable to heavy 
work horses with flat feet and 
prominent frogs (such frogs are 
liable to suffer bruises when so 
exposed, the resulting inflam- 
mation extending frequently to deeper and more vital structures). They are not ap- 
plicable to feet having navicular disease. They are not applicable when, in apply- 
ing them, it is necessary to disturb the normal relation of the bones of the limb. 




Fio. 445. — Showing Inside of Hoof. 



3S6 



SHOEIXa. 



They -will be found particularly useful in strong feet that have corns in both heels, 
and In the case of bad interferers. 

Trimming. 

Before preparing the foot for the shoe, the smith should go in 

front and look at it, so as to determine better its adjustment. 

Sometimes the foot may be run over by having one side too high or 

the toe worn off excessively. If it is desired to be particular, he 

should see how the feet are 
carried in a sharp trot ; 
whether too high or too 
low ; or whether he travels 
too close, endangering inter- 
fering or cutting — using 
the words of a high au- 
thority, " to see whether 
there are any traces of bruis- 
ing or cutting on the inner 
sides of hoofs, fetlocks, or 
knees." He should also see 
how the old shoe has been 
worn. The foot can then 
be taken up, when a look 
from the heel forward will 
enable an observing shoer 
to determine how much and 
what part is to be cut away to level it to the proper proportion, and 
the faults, if any, that can be modified or corrected. If the horse 
travels high, the shoes must be light ; if low and subject to stumb- 
ling, they may be increased in weight a little, and the toe some- 
what rounded ; if liable to strike, then set close under the wall with 
edges filed smooth. 

The point is to cut away or remove the surplus growth in the 
easiest and best manner, which depends more upon the deftness and 
ingenuity of the man than upon the use of 'any special means. The 
wall should be reduced to nearly or quite on a level with the outer 
margin of the sole. The bearing surface of the entire wall should be 
made level, so that an even bearing surface of the shoe will rest 
upon it fully. The rasp should now be passed around the toe, to cut 
away the sharp edges and bring it to the size required. Practically, 
this should be little more than rounding off the sharp edges of horn 
to prevent splitting. 




Ft(;. 44(;.— The Foot Natural. 



SHOEIXG. 



339 




Fig. 447. — Foot Excessively 
Pared. 



The principle is the same of leveling and preparing the feet of 
horses that have previously been shod. In such cases, to take off 
the shoe the best method is, after the clinch- 
ers are cut off, to raise both heels slightly 
with the pincers, then pry forward and across 
the foot a little, when the nails can be pulled 
out one by one. It is seriously objection- 
able, as generally done, to pull off the shoe 
by force, as the severe wrenching endangers 
tearing the hoof and straining and injuring 
the foot. This would be especially objec- 
tionable if the hoof be thin and the horse 
sensitive. Next, any stubs or nails should be 
removed. 

While it is simply intended to pare down 
the wall to its natural form, if it is thin and 
weak, growing but little, especially at the 
heels, where there is great difficulty to grow sufficient wall for the 
support of the foot, no more should be removed than is barely ne- 
cessary to level it. As before stated, there should be no interference 
with sole or frog, excepting to 
chip or cut away the portion of 
the old horn which could not be 
exfoliated. Frequently the heels 
are too high, or the toe too long ; 
in either case, whatever the ex- 
cessive accumulation or growth 
of horn, it should be cut away 
until the foot is brought back 
to its natural form and adjust- 
ment. Sometimes there is ex- 
cessive accumulation to the 
amount of half an inch or more 
at the heels, or even of the whole 
wall of strong, upright feet, yet 
to the ordinary observing shoe- 
ing-smith it may not appear ex- 
cessive, because cutting away 
so much would make the foot 
appear to him to be unnaturally small. Several specimens of ab- 
normal growth of feet are given. Fig. -±95, page 35.5, taken from 
life, is a good representative case, and was seen by the writer at 




Fig. 448. — Foot after Four Years' Slioeing. 



340 



SHOEIN(}. 



Fulton Ferry, New York City. It is that of a pony mare driven 
before a huckster's wagon. The right foot was so contracted by this 
excessive accumulation of horn, that its mobility was entirely de- 
stroyed. It will be noticed that the toe of the shoe is carried 
forward something like a sled crook, to enable a rolling motion 
upon the ground. It was pitiable to witness the pain 
and misery this poor animal exhibited. She walked 
with a crippled, sensitive motion, and while standing 
would put out one foot, then the other, 
but mostly the right one. The case 
could have been easily relieved of pain 






Fig. 449. 



Fio. 4.50— Too Short 
and Upright. 



Fig. 4.51.— Too Oblique. 



Fig. 4.52,— Natural 
Obliquity of Ankle. 



and soreness, by simply cutting down the feet and thoroughly soaking 
and opening the quarters, as explained in treatment for " Contraction." 
The dotted lines represent the point to which the horn should be 
cut away, showing an excess of accumulation of over three inches. 

The Shoe. 

The shoe should, in form and 
size, little more than cover the 
wall, excepting at the heels 
where it should be so much wider 
and longer as to compensate for 
the growth of the foot, and be 
heavy enough to sustain the at- 
trition, or wear, for the time it is 
expected to be on. But should 
this require an excessive thick- 
ness, then the bar may be made 
wider, to permit more wearing surface. It should fit closely all the 
way around to the bearing surface prepared for its reception, so 
that it may give to the crust all the support it can receive, and 




Fig. 4.54. — Too High 
on One Side. 



Fig. 453.— Heels too High. 



SHOEING. 



341 




carry out in its ground surface, as nearly as possible, the form of the 

wall before it was cut away. It is a rule, recognized by the best 

authorities, that the sole should not 

rest upon the shoe, except around 

the toe where the outer edge is 

left full and natural. But if the 

wall is cut down close, and the sole 

rather thin (which, as explained' 

before, in no case should be done 

except for pathological reasons), it 

is advisable, if it comes too near 

the iron, to lower the part coming 

under it. As a rule, the bearing 

surface should be level, and the 

ground surface concave, or the in- 
ner edge of the ground surface so 

beveled off that it will not harbor 

stones and dirt, and be so stiff that 

it will not bend. 

As before stated, if the horse is 

expected to be driven only oc- 
casionally, and upon common dirt 

roads, the wear will be but little, and the shoes should be corre- 
spondingly light ; but if much 
travel is required, on stony or 
macadannzed roads, the weight 
should be sufficient to sustain 
such wear. The addition of a 
small bit of steel, hammered 
well into the toe, and tempered, 
would add greatly to its dur- 
ability. It would be much 
better to make them wholly of 
steel, as they would be very 
much lighter, equally stiff, and 
less liable to bend. 

In a condition of health, 
from a light family driver to 
the heavy draught horse, the 

„ principle of shoeing is the 

Pig. 456.— Fool loo Long. ^ ^ , . . . ° , 

same ; the size, thickness, and 

weight only differing so as to adapt to each case, with the difference 



Fig. 455.— Too Short. 




342 



SHOEING. 




that when exceptional power is necessary, as for draught horses, 
or to prevent slipping, calkins must be used. As a rule, nothing 

more is wanting, unless necessary 
for extra wear, than just iron 
enough to protect the outer crust 
of the foot, and prevent its break- 
ing. More iron than this becomes 
e.xtra weight, and causes fatigue in 
carrying, like thick, heavy-soled 
shoes or clogs. 

It is a question among English 
authorities whether a shoe should 
be " rounded at the toe " (a prac- 
tice known as the French system) 
to aid mobility. 

A moderate rounding at the 
toe would seem desirable in all 
cases where there is want of mo- 
bilit)-. It is. especially desirable 
when the horse is a little stiff or 
sore, as it enables him to travel 
much easier. This is proved when 
the mobility of the foot is destroyed, and there is necessity for 
using a rounded shoe to conform with the action. Illustrations of a 
large variety of shoes of different forms are given, which can be 
studied. 

Prof Will- 
iams, of Edin- 
borough Veter- 
inary College, 
advises that the 
c a Ik i n s and 
toe-pieces 
should be done 
away \\'ith for 
a 1 1 kinds o f 
horses except 
those used for 

heavy draught in towns where the streets are paved and steep. 
It is urged that all horses required to go beyond a walking pace are 
injured by shoes with turned-up heels and toes. Farm horses and 



Fig. 437. — Shoe Properly Adjusted. 





Fig. 408.— Thin Shoe for 
Light Worl<. 



Fig. 4.59. 



-Faulty, Bad Form 
of Shoe. 



SHOEING. 



343 




Fio. 460.— Toes too Wide. 



those employed on macadamized roads are better without than with 
toe-pieces, although the pace at which they are required to go is 
never faster than a walk. In fact, all horses, when possible, should 
be shod with a flat shoe. 

N.A.ILING. 

The object of nailing should be to hold the shoe firml)- to the 
foot without injuring the wall, and 
leave the foot as independent of the 
restraint of the shoe at the quarters 
as possible. The nails should be 
driven where there will be most secure 
nail-hold ; more or less as well as 
heavier nails being necessary, in pro- 
portion to the thickness of the wall, 
weight of the shoe, and severity of the 
work. The wall is thickest and 
strongest at the toe or front, and be- 
comes thinner and more flexible to- 
ward the quarters and heels, especially 
at the inner heels, where it is sometimes extremely thin and flexible. 
There has been much speculation during the past few years in 
relation to the cause of this quarter's giving out before the other, 
as nature evidently intended it to stand strain and wear equally with 
other parts. The cause, undoubtedly, is the interference in its mo- 
bility by bad-fitting shoes and nail- 
ing so far back as to interfere with 
the flexibility of the quarter. This 
being true, it is evident that the 
principal nailing should be at the 
toe and front, because there is more 
horn there to nail to, and less liabil- 
ity to do harm by separating and 
breaking the fibers of the wall. 
They should not extend any farther 
back into the quarters than is barely 
necessary to give a safe hold of the 
shoe to the foot. The fewer and 
smaller the nails driven, the better, providing they are sufficient to 
hold the shoe. But much will depend, in doing this, on the ac- 
curacy of the fitting, thickness of the wall, and weight of the shoe. 

If the nails are driven well back on the outer quarter, and only 
round in the toe of the inner side, for the purpose of affording more 




Fig. 461. — Extreme Toeing In. 



344 



SHOEING. 



freedom to the quarters, it will be found that as the foot grows, the 
shoe will be carried to the outside quarter and toe to such an extent 
that the inner heel of the shoe will be drawn inside of the wall at the 



^ 



m 



^ 



*FiG. 463. 

Perfect Ac 
tion. 



^ 


/^ 


>i 


>1» 


>» 


: 


'v 

c..... 




.. . .CI 


1 


• 


v». 




1; 




» 




■» 




i 


c---. 




-■■C-- 




•■■€ 



*FiG. 462. — Perfect Action. 



heel, and rest upon the sole, causing a bruise or corn. 
In addition, so much of the shoe being left unnailed, makes 
it liable to get loose and work under the quarter, which 
would cause a rapid wearing or breaking down of struct- 
ure. All things considered, the best way is to nail back 
to the turn of the wall securely. Or the nailing may be 
extended a little farther back on the outside, and short- 
ened a little on the inner side, in any c.ase giving both 
quarters all the freedom compatible with security, in re- 
taining a firm hold of the shoe. As the foot grows, the 
shoe will be brought forward so evenly under it as not to do harm. 

For ordinary light shoes, six to seven nails, evenly distributed 
around the front part, should be sufficient, sometimes extending the 
outer nail a little beyond or nearer the quarter than the inner one. 

But if the 
~ ~ ~^'C^ ~~~~-.-.«^''~~ - . shoes are 

"^^/^ "^ - .' ^'"'^^^ heavy, and 

^ ^ IT^ the' work 

I hard, as for 

I d r a u g li t 

horses, 

-.-.^ heavier 

nails, and 

from seven 

to eight in number, will in most cases be required. A small, thin 
clip turned up at the toe, and one at the outer quarter, will help 
greatly in holding the shoe firmly in position ; but they should be 
turned up thin, and set well out on the edge of the shoe. 




-c- 



.-e- 

-Short Upright Fetlock. 



* lu connection with figures 463, 463, see page 328. 



SHOEIKG. 



345 



But very little of the wall should be cut away, so as not to 
weaken or injure it ; but sufficient to enable bringing the shoe to its 
position. The shoes should not be hammered down tight 
to the wall, but simply sufficient to rest easily against it. 
Next, if the foot is broken, or much weakened by old 
nail-holes, punch the holes where there is soundest horn 
to nail to, as shown by Fig. 596. A thin shoe will not 
admit of any fullering, because it weakens the shoe, with- 
out giving any special advantage in nailing. The stamp 
form of punching the holes should be used ; that is, the 
hole made larger at the surface and smaller at the bot- 







&! 



*FiG. 465. 
Too Close. 



-r <3 -i ^- -■ 

"G <Z - -C 

* Fig. 466. — Action with Low Heels and Oblique Fetlock. 

tom, so that the nail-heads will fit into it exactly. 

The method of driving the nails is next worthy of considera- 
tion. There are two methods ; one, starting the nail ^' , 
rather near the outer surface and driving high, called the I^'y i 
English method, which is practiced very generally in this ' •', 1 
country ; the other, starting the nail deep and bringing i '.>^ 
out low, known as the French method, which leading au- i /• *' 
thorities concede to be the best. If the nail is driven very , ' ■' I 
near the surface, it is liable to chip or break the horn out, /f^' J 
which injures and weakens the wall very much ; whereas ' \\ \ 
driving deep and bringing out low, insures a good hold, 
and the wall will be almost grown out by the next shoe- 
ing. Consequently they should be punched deep over 
those points where the wall is thickest, and less so toward 
the quarters where it is thinnest, or proportionately far- 
ther from the outer margin of the shoe. 

The common method of fullering all shoes alike, and 
bringing the nails at the same distance from the edge, 
can be no more adapted for all kinds of feet than can 
the size of the shoe itself This straight-jacket way of punching 



\:9 

I'll 

*FiG. 467. 

Action that 

Strikes. 



In connection with figures 465, 466, 467, and 470, see page 327 



3i6 



SIIOEIXG. 



all alike, brings the nail-holes at the same location at each repeti- 
tion of shoeing, so that if the shoe becomes loose, or is pulled off, 
this part of the wall is liable to be torn off, or so split and broken^ 





Fin. 46«. Fig. 469. 

Thin-heeled Shoe Advised by Prof. Williams of Edinborough Veterinary College. 

as to leave only a soft, imperfect horn. In resetting such a shoe, 
it becomes necessary to put it farther back under the foot in order 
to gain secure nail-hold. Not only this, but the portion of the pro- 
jecting wall being cut down to the shoe, leaves it deformed and 

, injured to an extent that 

• (rl) I '■ several months' growth 
,' ' J ' cannot repair. But if the 

I I J^ holes be punched over 
' I '^■. parts that would give as 

II ' '. secure hold, the shoe can 
\X. I ' be nailed on sufficiently 

P I ' firm to hold it without 

doing harm, and thereby 

preserve the symmetry 

of the foot. In such a 

case it may be necessary 

to nail rather close to the 

heels ; but even this had 

better be done for a short 

time than risk injury and 

malformation by the method named. 
If by carelessness or otherwise a nail should be driven into the 
quick, which will usually be known by the horse's flinching, it should 
be pulled out at once ; or should a horse show soreness after being 



(^ 



*FiG. 470. 
Faulty Action. 




Fig. 471.— Foot Prepared tor Shoe. 



SHOEING. 



347 




Fro. 4T2. — Foot at Point of Heel on Thick Shoes. 



taken out of the shop, the foot should be examined carefully by tap- 
ping over the part, and the nail at the point of soreness pulled out. 
(For more details, see treatment for Pricking and Rucking.) 

Cli>"chixg Down the Xails. 

When the nail is twisted off, the end should be filed down to 
the proper length, and, with 
the corner of the rasp or lit- 
tle punch, cut out the pith 
or raised part under the 
clinch, and turn down light- 
ly but firmly. The common 
custom is to make a deep 
notch with the corner of 
the rasp, which extends 
across the face of the hoof 
from one nail to the other. 

This is so injurious that 
it should not be permitted 
even to the smallest degree. 
No rasping of the outer sur- 
face of the wall should be 
allowed, excepting to touch 
or smooth any roughness 
of the clinches, and to 
round of the edge of the 
wall dawn near the shoe. 
It has been explained undir 
the proper head, that tlv 
inner surface of the wali 
soft and spongy, and that 
as it approaches the outer 
surface, it becomes hard and 

bony, and the fibers closer and denser, and that over the surface is a 
sort of skin or thin covering of enamel, that prevents too rapid evap- 
oration of moisture ; and it is necessary to retain intact this strong 
fibrous horn, as well as its outer covering, so as to hold the nails 
firmly, as well as to prevent the excessive evaporation of moisture 
which would follow. 

Should the shoe be too short, which is liable to happen, to 
remedy the difficulty it is the common custom to set it back under 
the wall, and rasp the thick, strong wall, extending out over the 




Fig. 474. — Adjustment between Heel and Turn of Foot. 




Fig. 4T-5. —Adjustment at Turn of Foot. 



348 



SHOEIXO. 



shoe, down to it. Or, should the shoe be too straight or narrow for 
the foot across the points of nailing, to drive the nails so deeply as 
not only to endanger 
pricking, but greatly to 
weaken the wall. 

The excessive rasp- 
ing not only destroys 
the strongest part of 
the wall, that best able 
to retain the nail-holes 
and support concus- 
sion, but causes a se- 
rious internal disease 
not usually understood, 
which shows its effect 
in an absorption of the 
bone beneath. Fig. 523 is a good illustration of this. The speci- 
men from which it is drawn was obtained from Dr. Hamill. The 
small sketch is full size, and shows the exact appearance of its sur- 
face, and small points of horn which are over a quarter of an inch 
long, extending out like pegs. 

Shoeing the Hind Feet. 
There is usually so little 





Fig. 476.— Tips. From 
the French. 



Fig. 477.— Thin Strip Set in 
Hoof. From Lafosse. 





Fig. 478.— Tips Applied to the Coil's Foot. 



Fig. 479. — Thin Shoe. From Lafosse. 



trouble with the hind feet, that it is scarcely necessary to give any 
directions as to their management. The horn is thickest at the 
quarters, and the principal nailing should be done there. Some- 



SHOEING. 



349 



times there is a curling under or 
contracting of the heels, which 
may be the cause of more or less 
inflammation, extending to the 
sheaths of tendons and other parts 
of the leg ; in such a case, if 
thought advisable, either or both 
quarters can be treated as ex- 
plained under that head in " Con- t| 
traction." 

Pricking and Rucking. 

I think it advisable, in this con- 
nection, to say a few words about 
pricking, which is more common 
than many suppose. It is not un- Fig 480 —Shoe Adjusted. From the German, 
usual, indeed it is a very common 

occurrence, to drive the nail too near the quick or into it, and thus 
by a little carelessness cause great harm. First, if the nail be driven 
so as to go to the quick, in which case the horse may show it by 
flinching, it should in all cases be pulled out at once, and the hole 





Fig. 481— Model Shoes. 



Fir, 4S2. — Showing Location of Nails. 



be left vacant. If this is done, no harm will follow. Sometimes 
the smith, especially if he expects to be scolded, will drive the 
nail down, which in a few hours or next day will show itself by 



S.'iO 



SIlOEfXd. 




m,-ikiny tlic horse lame ; or the nail may be driven so deeply as to 
go near the soft parts of the inner edge, and when the point strikes 

the hard horn 
of the outer 
surface, it may 
bend inward or 
press upon and 
break through 
to the sensitive 
parts. This is 
called rucking, 
as shown in Fig. 
508. The nail 
should be pulled 
out at once. 

Another cause of harm is what is termed fitting and drawing the 
nails too clnscly. If tlu; .jiails are driven rather deep, and clinched 
down firmly, they are liable to bend inward and press upon the 
sensitive parts. This is called jiinching. If present when the horse 
is shod, and it is noticed that the nails are driven rather deep for the 
thickness of the wall, insist upon their being driven farther out. 

An ignorant or thoughtless man may claim there is no danger, 

though he is driving the nails 
much too deep. Should the 
horse show soreness or lameness 
within three or four days after 
being shod, especially if he puts 



Fin. 4H3. —Examining the Shoe. 





I'u. Ibl. Location of Nails. 



Fid. ■IS.-, 



French Method of Nailing 



the foot forward to ease it, give the matter attiiition at once. First 
rest tile li.ind light!)- iqioii the hoof to discover wlu-tlu-r there is any 
unusual heat, and if s(j, at \\liat jidint ; next take a light hammer 
or small stone, and tap light!}' round over the nails, until the horse 



sri(iEi.\y,'. 



351 




Fki. 480. 



The Hoof of a Fore Foot Showing the Bad 
Effects of Excessive Rasping. 



flinches, wlicn tlic of- 
fcntlinf^ nail or n.iils 
can be discovered and 
pidled out. If this is 
done soon after beiny 
shod or during the 
same day, all that may 
be necessary to do is to 
leave the nail out. 

I have had excellcni 
success by pourin;.^ .i 
little callendula into 
the hole. In one case, 
where there was con- 
siderable soreness a 
few hours after beinj^ 
shod, though the horse 
was quite lame on ac- 
count of the nail bcinff 
driven too deeij, after 
pullinfj out then ail, .i 
little callendula was poured in, and the shoe a},'ain put on, and the 
horse in a few hours was free from lameness. But if he shows lame- 
ness in a day or so after bein^^ shod, cut away the wall from around 

IIk; hole, so as to 
let out any mat- 
ter which may 
h a V c f o r m e d. 
Xe.\t jjonllice the 
foot until tin; in- 
flainniation sub- 
sifles, then cover 
the hole with a 
little d i fjest i vc 
ointment ("which 
is made by melt- 
inj^ together equal 
[(arts of tar and 
hog's lard, and 
stirring till C(><)\), over which put a little tow and [jnt on the shoe. 

CONTKACTION. ITS CUKK. 
i'"or hundreds of years there has been great effort made to jjre- 




Fio. 487.- Shoe Proptrly Ad|uilccJ and Nailod. 



352 



SnOETXG. 




Fig. 488. — Good Model of Concave Shoe. 



vent and cure con- 
traction. I give 
avariety of figures 
showing some 
forms of shoes and 
methods of ex- 
panding the quar- 
ters. 

Contraction 
may be divided 
into three class- 
es : 1. A general 
compression, or 
drawing in of the 
wall upon the 
vascular struct- 
ure ; 2. When but 
one or both quarters are drawn in ; 3. \MTen the heels are curled 
in, or pushed forward under the foot. The prevention and cure of 
contraction must depend upon re- 
moving excess of horn, frog-press- 
ure, freedom of the quarters, or, if 
necessary, opening them mechan- 
ically as desired, and upon moist- 
ure. Any of these conditions 
lacking, there must in sei-ious 
cases be partial or entire failure, 
no matter what the means or 
methods used. If the feet could 
have conditions that would afford natural moisture, and the shoes be 

made so thin that the frog 
and sole could have reason- 
able contact with the ground, 
the quarters so free that 
they could expand with the 
growth of the feet, there 
could be but little if any 
contraction. 

Frog-Pressure. 

\\'e see that in all cases 
Fig. 490. -Adjustable Calk. where there is reasonable 




Fig. 489.— Ordinary Calks. 




SHOEING. 



353 



frog-pressure, the frog becomes largei', firm- 
er, and more elastic ; while raising the frog 
from contact causes it to become small and 
hard, the quarters to draw in, and the whole 
foot to diminish more or less in size. But if 
not accustomed to pressure, it should be 
given gradually, in connection with keeping 
the feet thoroughly softened, so as not to 
excite inflammation or soreness. It would 
not do for a man accustomed to wearing 
boots for years to suddenly go barefoot on 
rough, hard ground. The skin on the feet 
is so thin that they would be made sore, 
and would be liable to serious inflamma- 
tion. In like manner it would not be pru- 
dent to bring the heels and frog of a horse's 
foot that has long been protected by shoes, suddenly to the ground. 
If there is but little contraction, with fairly good condition of the 
feet, all that will be necessary to do is to level down the feet, and 




Fig. 491.— Adjustable Calks. 




Fig. 492. — Model of Shoe for Express Horses 
From Dr. HamlH's Collection. 



Fig. 49a. — The Goodenough Shoe. 



remove any surplus of old horn from the sole, put on thin-heeled 
shoes, and keep the feet soft by moisture. 

The next simplest and best method would be to use the convex 
shoe. See Figs. 552 -554. After leveling and trimming out the 

foot properly, as betnri explained, cut away or weaken the arch be« 



354 



SHOEING. 




tween the bars and 
frog sufficiently to 
allow of some elas- 
ticity of the quar- 
ters, then fit the 
heels nicely to the 
bearing surface of 
the shoe. In doing 
this, care should be 
taken to leave them 
sufficiently deep to 
enable matching 
the bevel of the 
shoe nicely without 
cutting away or 
lowering the wall 
too much. No horn 
should be left pro- 
jecting inside, as it 
would form a wall 
against the inner 
edge of the shoe, 
and prevent the heels from spreading. Of course, no nails should 
be driven back in the quarters. As before explained, the frog 
should gradually be given contact with the ground. As the quar- 
ters are opened, the shoe can be taken off, made larger, and reset, 
until the foot is reasonably expanded, when a level bearing-surface 
may again be used. 

But for anything like a bad condition 
of contraction, more direct and positive 
treatment will be necessary. For ex- 
ample, if the foot is badly contracted, 
the frog small, and sole forced upward 
acutely, the whole internal structure, 
in fact, locked and tied, as it were, by 
the severe compression of the wall, 
three conditions are necessary : First, 
complete elasticity of quarters and sole ; 
second, power to open quarter so as to 
relieve pressure, and allow the sole to 
settle back to its natural position ; third, 
gradual frog-pressure so as to restore a 



Fig. 494. — A Dried Hoof with Frog Removed. 




Fig. 495.— The Frog 



SHOEIXG. 



355 




Fig. 496. — Mobility entirely 
Destroyed in Riglit Foot. 



healthy condinon of circulation and 
strength of parts. The first important 
step in the treatment is to thoroughh- 
soften the feet. The simplest way of do- 
ing this in the stables is by tying two or 
three thicknesses of blanket around the 
feet and keeping them wet about twenty- 
four hours ; or better, fill two small 
bags with bran, put a foot into each, and 
tie a string loosely around the top of the 
bag and leg above the fetlock. Put 
each foot into a bucket of water, and 
afterward pour on water to keep wet ; 
or the horse can be made to stand in 
mud till the feet are soft. 

There is usually a large accumulation 
of horn, especially at the heel, all of 
which must be removed, and the wall 
leveled down to its proper dimensions. 
Next, with the drawing-knife pare out 
the sole ; not enough to make it bend to pressure, but more than 
beyond the removal of the old horn. Then with a small knife, 
which should be made expressly for the purpose, — let the blade be 
made straight, with a cutting edge on both sides, and the end turned 

about a quarter of an 
inch, tempered and 
ground down to a keen 
edge, so as not to cut 
a channel much more 
than one eighth to 
three sixteenths of an 
inch wide, — weaken 
the wall between the 
bars and frog, by scrap- 
ing or cutting out the 
bottom of the channel 
back to the point of the 
heel so much that when pressure is brought upon the heels outward, 
there will be no impediment to their opening freely at their upper 
edge. To do this, commence well forward near the point of the 
frog, and cut back, following the line of the arch carefull)'. Particu- 





Fiii. 407. — Showing Great Excess of Horn. 



356 



SHOEIXG. 




Fig. 498. 



Bearing-suiface 



lar care should be taken not to cut so much at any part as to cause 

bleeding. On this 
account the op- 
erator should feel 
his way cautious- 
ly, cutting deeper 
as he goes back. 
The bar should 
be cut away to 
within three quar- 
ters of an inch 
from the point of 
the heel. No more 
should be cut 
away from the 
rest of the bar, or 
part coming un- 
der the clip, than 

may be necessary to give a straight shoulder for it to rest against. 

Both sides must be treated alike. If the part has been cut through 

in the least, it should be protected after the shoe is on by melting 

a little resin and tallow _ 

into it, and covering 

with tow. 

There have been 

many ignorant and 

pretentious quacks, 

who have presumed to 

weaken the heel by 

sawing in between the 

bars and frog. Only a 

very small point can be 

reached in this wa\', 



-Shoe too Wide and Long, 
too Concave. 



Fig. 499 Concave Bearing-surface of Slioe 498 at Heel. 




Fig. "lOO.— Concave Bearing-surface of Shoe 498 b3- 
tween Heel and Turn cf Foot. 



Fig. 501. — Concave Bearing-surface of Same at Turn of Foot. 



without cutting to the quick. The saw cannot be used here at all 
with advantage. The point is to weaken the horn at the bottom 
of the cleft so that it will spread freely, and this can be done prop- 
erly only with the cutting-knife. The proper flexibilit\- of the 
heels can be judged by a slight pressure with the hand. 

This done, our next object is to remove the compression of the 
wall. To do this, fit to it a rather thin, flat shoe, made of good iron. 
At the heels it should be made a little wider and longer than the 



SHOEING. 



357 



foot, and the nail-holes punched, as in Fig. 565. Lay on the shoe as 
intended to be nailed, and with a pencil make a mark over the inside 
of the bar at the point of the heel on both sides. This done, accu- 
rately punch or 
drill two holes 
through the iron, 
about three six- 
teenths of an 
inch in diameter. 
If it can be done, 
it woulcj be bet- 
ter to have the 
holes beveled on 
the inside of the 
bar. extending 
up and back at 
the point of the 
heel. Next, take 
two little pieces 
of good iron or steel, about three fourths to seven eighths of an 
inch long, by about three sixteenths thick, and about five eighths 
of an inch wide. Cut down the end until it will fit the hole in the 




Fig. 503. — View of Hoof with Marked Depression across the 
Front, and a Corresponding Bulging downwards of the Sole. 




-Model Thin-heeled Shoe. 



Fig. .504.— Light Hind Shoe. 



shoe, and rivet it, as shown in Fig. 557. These are now to be 
warmed and bent, and, if necessary, filed so as to lie flat against 



358 



SHOEIXG. 




Fig. 501— Sole and Wall Cut 
away too much. 




Fig. 



■506.— Wall not Cut away 
Quite Enough. 



both heels, and just long enough to come a little short of touch- 
ing the soft horn above it. Next weaken the shoe a little on both 
sides, which may be extended over a much larger space than shown 
in Fig. 558 ; or if the shoe is not very heavy, it may be spread 
without weak- 
ening. Regu- 
late 50 as to 
come a little 
forward of the 
point where the 
hoof begins to 
draw in. If the 
shoe is thin, 
the inner edge 
should be 
turn up and 
formed into a 
clip, w h i c h, 
with a little care, can be filed and fitted. 
But if the shoe is at all thick, it would be 
somewhat difficult to do this ; for if the clip is turned up so that the 
shoe is too large or too small, a very tedious, annoying bungle 
would be the result. In addition, it would be difficult to make the 
clips sufficiently long to enable bringing pressure as high up against 
the wall as it will admit, which is a very important point toward 
opening the upper part of the hoof 

The method before given, which neces- 
sity compelled me to devise and adopt, 
makes this simple and easy to do ; and 
except the shoe is so thin as not to admit 
of punching or drilling, it will be found 
by far the simplest and best method of 
forming the clips. When properly adjust- 
ed, nail on carefully. The nails around 
the toe may be larger than those driven 
in the quarters ; and while driven so as 
to give a good hold, and rather high, if the 
feet are at all sore and tender, great care should be taken that the 
hammering is not too heavy, nor the nails driven deep. The 
clinches should simply be turned down lighth'. If the hoof ex- 
tends out over the shoe at any point, it should be no reason for 
more rasping than merely to round off the edges of the horn. Let 




Fig. 5117— Heel as it Usually 
Rests on the Shoe. 



SHOEING. 



859 



it alone. It is frequently the case that one quarter is more con- 
tracted than the other ; in fact, it is not unusual to have one side 
of the heel very much drawn in, while the other may be very lit- 
tle, if any, contracted ; so that two conditions must be met ; namely, 



y. 




Fig. 508.— Bad Nailing. 





509.— Nail Rucked. 



Fig. 510 —Good Nailing. 



first, to open either heel as little or as much as may be desired, 
independent of the other. This the spreaders (which have been 
devised and patented by the writer) will enable doing in the most 
perfect manner. Simple as these spreaders are, the writer has 
found it very difficult to have them made properl}'. On this ac- 
count he has found it necessary to have them made according to an 

exact pattern, 
and they will be 
furnished at a 
moderate price 
to those desiring 
them. 

However nec- 
essary it may 
be to have this 
part of the work 
well done, it is, in 
reality, but a 
preparatory step 
for what follows. 
First, if tongs or a screw be used to spread the shoe, the pressure 
being made equal on both sides, the side which is weakest must do 




511— Transverse Section of the Hoof of the Fore Foot of a 
Work Horse in which the Sole had Become Convex. 



360 



SHOEIXG. 






all the bending — opening that quarter too much without affecting 
the other at all. Another cause of difficulty is not having the 
tongs convenient with which to spread the shoe, and it is put off 
too long ; and when finall\- attempted, done so roughU", or opened 

so much as to 
cause violent in- 
flammation and 
lameness. With the 
spreaders, this dif- 
ficulty is entirely 
overcome. 

Opening the 
Heels. 

The method of 
doing this should 
be about as fol- 
lows : First, meas- 
ure between the 
heels of the shoe 
carefully, by cut- 
ting a bit of straw 
or stick the exact length between them, and then estimate how 
much each heel will bear opening without causing soreness. Un- 
less the foot is very soft and elastic, it is hardly prudent the first 
time to open them more than a quarter or three eighths 
of an inch. It is well to first open the quarter most 
contracted, which, until brought out to 
balance with the other, should be 
opened the most. Then measure again 
and spread the opposite side. If 
opened too much, or enough to cause 
soreness, a few light taps of the ham- 
mer against the outside will set it back. 
The feet should be kept soft by stop- 
ping with flaxseed-meal, and tying two 
or three thicknesses of blanket around, 
and wetting occasionally. In the course 
of an hour or two examine the condi- 
tion of the feet carefully. If the horse puts out one foot, or indi- 
cates the least soreness, the quarters have been opened too much, 



Fig, 5T3. Fn;. .-.i:;. Fig. .514. 

Shoe Should Conform to Foot. The Shoe Being too Small and 
Badly Abjusted, the Fool Is Compressed 
and Necessarily Injured. 




Figs. 51.5, .510— Very Common He- 
suit of Wearing Small. Bad 
Fitting Shoes. 



SHOEING. 



361 



and they must be at once knocked back sufficiently to relieve the 
undue pressure, and be kept wet. It is rarely, however, that the 
spreading of a quarter, or even three eighths, of an inch, will at 
first cause any soreness. On the contrary, it always gives relief. 
Still I think it necessary to use care. The horse can be driven or 
worked moderately, if desired. In two or three days the spread- 
ing can be repeated, but now not so much as before, and again in 
three or four days following, and so on at longer intervals. 

If the foot has been properly prepared, two points will be ac- 
complished by this spreading, namely, the severe compression upon 





Fig. 517. — Natural Position. Fig. .518. — Effect of Contraction Fic. 519. — Extreme Case 
Good Slioeing. and Soreness. of Contraction and Soreness. 

the vascular structure and coronary ring will be immediately re- 
lieved, and the sole, which in all cases of this character has been 
forced up, as shown, to an acute angle, will straighten and let down. 
To aid this, the sole must, by paring, be made so flexible that, as 
the foot is opened, it will settle down and come back to its natural 
condition. The soreness resulting from the compression of the 
parts will be removed, and a better condition of circulation and nu- 
trition result. By this course the mobility will not only be re- 
stored, the horse travel with more freedom and confidence, but as 
the hoof grows down it will become thicker and of a better fiber. 

As before explained, to bring about a healthy condition of cir- 
culation and nutrition, the frog must necessarily be given contact 
with the ground to the degree it will bear, which should be provided 



362 



SHOEIXG. 



for by the thinness of the shoe. In some simple cases, nailing the 
shoe to the heel, as shown in Fig. 558, may be sufficient to hold the 
quarters firmly enough to enable spreading them as desired The 
objection is that the wall is so thin at the point of the heels, that it 
may be difficult to get a good nail-hold without pricking or break- 
ing out ; besides, the nailing cannot be repeated. The nails should 
be small and driven very carefully, getting as much hold as the horn 
will admit of. The supposed objection to this plan of opening the 
quarters is, that it prevents their natural elasticity by their undue 
confinement. But this is not a valid objection ; because in the di- 





FiGS. 520, 521. — How a Horse Stands when Sore-looted or Lame. 

rection it is desired to give them freedom outward, it only facilitati^ 
it, while at the same time it gives a certainty and positiveness of re- 
lief that cannot well be secured in any other way. 

In fact, herein lies most of the success in the management of all 
conditions of contraction. In my experience I never have found a 
smith who could catch the points of properly preparing the foot and 
fitting the shoes for such cases. In every instance I have been 
compelled to stand over the shoer and dictate every movement or 
do part of the work myself First, the want of judgment in prepar- 
ing the foot ; second, in adapting the weight of the shoe to the foot, 
and fitting the clips so as to enable opening the quarters easily and 
surely as desired. 

Mr. Romkkck's Mf.tiiod. 



Since writing the foregoing my attention has been called to a 



SIfOETXG. 



363 




Fio ')32 — Anterior Section of a Hind Hool M?(le 

Vertically across the Center, Showing the 

Thickness of Wall. 



very simple and practical method of opening the quarters for the 
cure of contraction, which is used with marked success, and illus- 
trated in Fig. 566, devised by Mr. David Robcrge, a practical horse- 
shoer of great ingenuity 
and skill, located at No. 
106 West Thirtieth 
Street, New York City. 
Various methods of open- 
ing the heels on this plan 
are given, which are from 
French and other author- 
ities, to show the great ef- 
fort that has been made 
by mechanical means to 
overcome this difficult)-. 
But Mr. Roberge, by giv- 
ing more length to the 
spring, and simplifying its 
construction, makes it all 
that can be desired. The 
spring is made of steel, the exact proportion and adjustment of 
which is shown in Fig. 5<)7. The wall is first weakened by sawing 
down slightly between the heel and frog, when the spring is placed 

in position with so much force 
given to it as may be thought 
necessary to press the heels out- 
ward as desired. The shoe is 
then nailed on over it, as ordi- 
narily done. The pressure is 
gradual and constant, and must 
j)rove just the thing where both 
quarters will admit of equal 
pressure. But should one quar- 
ter be much more contracted or 
unyielding than the other, it 
does not seem to the writer that 
it would work so well, because 
the full pressure would then be 
thrown on the weaker "quarter. 
But this, it is claimed, can be 




Fio. 



i2l!. — The Effect of Internal Inflammation, 
Caused by Excessive Rasping and 
Other Causes of Injury 



obviated by nailing the shoe well back on the quarter of the op- 
posite side, which would prevent that side from being acted upon 



364 



SHOETXG. 



This spring, with particulars, can be obtained by addressing the 
patentee, Mr. Roberge. 

Rolling Motion Shoe. 

I also give illustrations of a form of shoe devised and largely 
used b\- him with great success, which he has patented. The objert 

to be attained is, where 
there is want of mobil- 
ity, or much soreness 
and inflammation, to so 
form and adjust the shoe 
that the foot will partly 
roll upon the ground, 
thereby relieving the 
strain and irritation. To 
use Mr. Roberge's words, 
" This shoe, by allowing 
the foot to roll upon the ground, gives the foot the advantage of 
an extra joint, and to that degree relieves the strain or want of 
mobility, which causes lameness or soreness." Consequently, it 
not only enables the horse to travel easier, but aids in making a 
cure. This principle of treatment he has studied very closely, and 
it is remarkably successful. 

This principle of treatment has long been in use. I give an il- 
lustration from Lafosse, showing a side view of the hoof fitted for the 




Fig. '>ii. — Transverse Section of a Model Hoof 
at tiie Quarters. 




Fig. ."iSS.— Showing the Usual Arch Fig. .526.— Showing Effect of Fk;. .527.— Sole Bent 
of the Sole. a Little Contraction. Upwards. Effect 

of Contraction. 

shoe ; also a specimen of the French shoe. The principle is to turn up 
the shoe at the heel and toe about the thickness of the iron. Mr. 
Roberge's shoe differs essentially from this, in that he gives a curv- 
ature sideways as well as with the length of the foot. What he 
terms his "best shoe," and which is the most unusual, is Fig. 568, 
which is a thin plate hammered into a rounded or bowl shape, the 



SHOEIXG. 



365 



exact proportions of which are preserved in the drawings given. 
Fig. 570 is a side view, which will give a good idea of the relative 
proportion of the curve. By this form of shoe the foot has perfect 





Pig. 528. — Hinge Shoe. From the French. Fig. 539. — Form of Shoe Devised in England 

for Preventing Contraction. 

freedom of motion either way. If the foot is feverish or dry, wet 
sponge or oakum is pushed in between the shoe and bottom of the 
foot. Fig. 572 isa view of the same made a little heavier, the same 
form of circle being preserved, with the difference of the central 
part being removed with cross-section of the same. The shoe from 
which this drawing was made was claimed to be the same that was 
worn by Dexter when he made his fastest time to road wagon. 
Figs. 575, 576, show the method of putting on calkins. In conversa- 
tion with the writer, Mr. Bonner stated that David Roberge was one 
of the very foremost living students of the principles of shoeing. He 
is an unassuming, practical man, but is wonderfully successful. 

Quarter-Crack. 

This is the one difficulty next to con- 
traction which seems to have baffled the 
skill of the best veterinary authorities 
and horsemen'to prevent or cure ; because 
in extreme cases they had no practical 
treatment beyond that of a bar shoe, cut- 
ting away the horn so that the part back 
of the split would have no bearing upon 
it, or supporting the weak parts by 
drawing the edges together with nails, 
or fastening on a plate with screws, all 
of which are merely palliative, and not 
to be depended upon. It would, of course. 




Fig. 530. — Form of Shoe Used 

by the French for the Cure 

of Contraction. 



366 



SHOEING. 



be easv to grow the foot down by keeping the horse in a stall or 
small yard where the ground is soft, but when put to work it would 
be liable to split down again as before. Consequently it has been 
one of the most vexatious and annoying of difficulties, because 
to do this it was necessary to keep the horse idle from three to six 
months; and 
then, when put to 

work, if by chance /o^o V-^''''~~v/' <^ 
he were driven 
sharply over hard 
or frozen roads, 
the quarter was 
liable to burst, 
which would again 
make the loss of 

use necessary. Or F'^- 532,-Shoe Made in Sec- 
it became neces- 
sary to resort to 

the palliative measures referred to, and 
thus in time the value of an otherwise 
good horse would be destroyed. 

We see, in the first place, that the whole trouble arises from the 
hoof becoming contracted or too small for the internal parts. This 
will be most noticeable at the inner quarter by the wall becoming 
straight or drawn in sharply a little below the hair, the part at which 
the split invariably occurs. This is proved by the fact that the 





tions and Riveted togetlier 
to Prevent Contraction. 



Fig. 531. 






Figs. 533, 534, 535. — Different Forms of Shoes for Cure of Contraction. 

quarter is most liable to burst or split when the hoof is dry and 
hard, or when concussion is increased by driving on hard roads. 
This tendency to split is also increased by the inferior quality of 
horn grown ; because the contraction of the parts, or pressing of the 
wall in against the soft parts, so obstructs the circulation that there 



HllOEING. 



367 




')'■%. — Ordinary English Shoe. 



is not sufficient blood 
to grow sound, tough, 
healthy horn. On 
this account the only 
reliable and practical 
cure is opening the 
quarters sufficiently 
to remove pressure 
until the new horn is 
grown, which can be 
done to any degree 
desired, as follows : 
First, cut down be- 
tween the bar and the 
frog of the inner 
quarter, as explained 
for contraction, until 
it will yield readily 
to pressure. Next cut 

away the edges of the wall to the end of the split ; then make a 
crease with the firing-iron at the edge of the hair. If the spilt ex- 
tends well up into the coronary band, this can be omitted, and in- 
stead, the iron touched lengthways with the split. If, however, the 

quarter is properly 
opened, such inter- 
ference with the firing- 
iron will be unneces- 
sary, as the horn 
would usually grow 
down sound without 
it. Now, fit a shoe as 
explained for contrac- 
tion, putting a clip 
only upon the inner 
side (as shown in Fig. 
oSo . The opposite 
side is to be nailed 
well back to counter- 
balance it. When the 
shoes are nailed on, 
with the spreaders 
open the quarter all 




Fig. 537.— Bearing surface of Ordinary English Shoe. 



368 



SHOEING. 



it will bear without producing soreness, or about a quarter of an 
inch. This done, fill the crack with a little melted resin or tallow, 
over which put a little tow to prevent gravel or dirt from working 
into the quick. It is next advisable to stimulate the growth of 
tough, healthy horn. This can be done with hoof liniment, which 
should be put on, as explained, two or three times a week. The 
hoof should not be permitted to become dry or hard, which can be 
easily prevented by stopping with flaxseed-meal and tying two or 
three thicknesses of blanket around the foot, and keeping wet while 
standing in the stable. The horse, if necessary, can be put to work 
as usual. In the course of a few days, spread a little more, or as 





Fig. 538. Fig. 539. 

Forms of Spring Used for Spreading the Quarters. 

much as may be necessary to make the hoof sufficiently wide to re- 
move all pressure from the weak part. When grown down, the 
cause will be removed. 

If an ordinary case, with but little drawing in of the quarters, 
simply lower the inside quarter a little so as to remove pressure from 
the upper edge of the wall, and put on a level shoe. Next, with a 
firing-iron burn a slight crease across the upper edge of the wall, 
keeping the foot soft, and stimulating the growth by applications 
of hoof liniment. This will enable growing the wall down without 
its splitting back. But if the quarter is drawn in perceptibly, then 
in addition to the creasing, the quarter must be given entire freedom, 
by cutting down between the bar and frog. The details of a very in- 
teresting case, and explanations of how I learned this method of treat- 
ment, and its success, will be found in connection with this part of 
treatment in my special work on the horse. 



s::oEixG. 



369 




Fig. 540. 



-Hinge Bar Shoe for Cure 
of Contraction. 



Sand Crack, or Fissure at the Toe. 

This is usually the result of a diseased condition or ulceration 
of the upper anterior part of the coffin-bone, caused by injury to the 
part. In a large number of dissections made by Mr. Gamgee, to 
whom I am indebted fc treatment here given, he found cases of the 
pyramidal process to be common, and 
a depression down in front to be also 
frequent. The front of such feet is 
weak and deficient both in hoof and 
bone. The bottom of the foot must 
have nothing removed from it except 
to level it down at the quarters. The 
front of the hoof should be left rather 
long and deep, the shoe to come well 
back under the quarters, and clips to be 
taken up, one on each side of the toe. 
\\'hen the shoe is applied, the clips are 
neither to be let into the wall nor 
roughly hammered up to it, but to be 
drawn just tight enough to support and 
hold the part firm. For treatment of the fissure, take tar and 
resin one ounce and tallow a quarter of an ounce, and melt together. 
Apply this while warm to the fis- 
sure of the hoof and coronet, then 
place a layer of tow over this 
dressing, and bind the wall of the 
foot with a broad tape, to support 
its position and keep the part firm. 
A cure in bad cases is not to be 
expected. 

Corns. 

Corns are usually to be found at 
the inner heel, or at the angle be- 
tween the bar and the crust, and 
are caused by the shoe pressing 
upon the part. This will be most 
likely to occur should the wall 
break down, or be cut away so much 
as to let the shoe rest upon the sole, or should the shoe be nailed 
well back on the outside and toe, as then, if left on too long, it will 
be drawn outward and forward so much that the inner heel will be 
2-1 a 




Fig. .541. — Spring Inside Shoe Riveted to 
Toe Part for Expanding Quarters. 



370 



SHOE INC 




drawn under the quarter, and 
rest upon this part, bruising 
it. When the sensitive sole 
is thus bruised, the effused 
blood mixes with the horny 
matter and makes a red spot, 
and if the irritation is contin- 
ued so as to produce very 
much inflammation, ulcera- 
tion may take place, which 
would, in some cases, be suf- 
ficient to affect the inner wing 
of the coffin-bone, and cause 
matter to break out at the 
coronet. Sometimes when 



Fig. 543. — Showing the Effect upon the Pedal 
Bone of Sole Bulging Down. 

the quarter is very much contracted, 
the space between the bar and quar- 
ter being greatly lessened, it causes 
such bruising or pressure upon the 
soft parts as to excite inflammation, or 
cause a corn. The usual remedy is to 
cut away the parts so that the shoe 
will not rest upon it, and put on a 
little caustic, or touch it with a hot 
iron, which destroys sensibility, and 
changes the condition of secretion. 
Butter of antimony or salts of niter 
are favorite remedies ; then melt in 
a little tar, resin, and tallow, and cover 
with a little tow to prevent gravel 
or dirt working into the tender part. 
The usual way in severe cases, is to 
put on a bar shoe, so as to enable 
removing all pressure from the sore 
part. This mode of treatment, how- 
ever, as usually done, is onl}' pallia- 
tive, not curative. The horse will 
travel better, but if the shoe is left on 
a little too long, or presses upon the 
part in the least, or should gravel or 




Fig. .543.- Representation of the 
Last Six Bones of the Foot. 
Showing Great Change 
of Structure 



SUOEIXG. 



371 




Fig. 544. — Showing Bearing- 
surface of Shoe Shown 
in Fig. 544. 



dirt accumulate between the part and the shoe, inflammation and 

lameness will follow. The only remedy 

for this is to remove the pressure. But 

in time by this treatment the difficulty is 

only aggravated and made worse. Hence 

the usual assertion that " corns cannot 

be cured." 

Gifford, one of my old performing 

horses, had a very bad bruise (corn) on 

one of his inner heels, which, if not care- 
fully attended to, caused serious lameness. 

After being troubled with it about seven 

years, it had grown to such proportions 

as to involve the entire angle at the heel, 

so that the horn was broken quite 

through, and the sensitive structure partly 

ulcerated. At the close of the season's 
business, there was considerable inflamma- 
tion and soreness in the entire foot. All 
palliative measures having failed, it finally 
occurred to me to try the experiment of re- 
moving all pressure from the part, and 
turning the horse out to grass. But there 
was another serious difficulty, to which, 
in part, some of the soreness might be at- 
tributed. By the contraction or curling 
under of the outer heel, it had become so 
weak that it could scarcely be made to 
'iupport his weight in traveling, so I decided 
Id treat this at the same time. The divis- 
1 )n between the bar and frog of this side 
' -as well thinned out to make the quarter 
flexible. Next a thin shoe of untempered 
steel, a little more than an eighth of an 
inch thick, was made to fit accurately to 
the wall (as shown b)' Fig. 588), the end 
being turned up for a clip, and fitted 
nicely to its place. The part of the op- 
posite heel of the shoe coming over the 

corn, was entirch' cut away, leaving simply sufficient to cover the 

wall, which at this point was very thin. The shoe was now fastened 

on sufficienth' to hold it firmly in place, but with very small nails. 




Fig. 54.5. — Form of Concave 

Shoe Used by the French for 

Expanding the Quarters. 



372 



SIIOEIXG. 



There was no rasping or attempt to beautify the foot in any way. 

Figs. 586 and 5S9 give a very good idea of the appearance of the 

foot before and after the shoe was 

put on. The quarter was now care- 

<^ _^^ "".^ ^\ fully opened about three eighths of 





Fici. 346. Ki.,, .-,47. 

Devices for Cure of Contraction Used by tlie French. 

an inch, without causing any irritation. Nothing was put ovv .le 
bruise or corn, nor was it meddled with in any way. The horse 
was now turned out to grass daily. At first he moved very 
tenderly, though not lame. In a week the heel was again opened 
a little more, and again at intervals until opened out as desired. In 
a few weeks the tenderness, fever, and in- 
flammation subsided ; and at the expiration 
of three months the corn was entirely cured, 
there being a healthy growth of sole over 
the part, leaving only a slight appearance 





Fig. .548. — Screw for Spreading Shoe. 



Fig. 549.— The Shoe as Adjusted. 



of redness, on account of not being entirely grown out. The con- 
tracted quarter was also out to its natural position, the change for 
the better in all respects being very gratifying. An ordinarj^ flat 
shoe was now put on, when he traveled as well as ever. The ma- 



SHOEING. 



373 




Fig. 550— The Shoe Made Wider Ihan Foot, 

with Clips at the Heels for Opening the 

Quarters. A French Device. 



jority of such cases can be easily cured while the horse is kept at 

his usual work, by putting on an open shoe if the foot will bear it, 

if not, a light bar shoe, with the 

part coming under the corn en- 
tirely cut away, leaving only 

sufficient to cover the wall. It 

will not matter whether the bar 

is cut away or not, as there will 

be nothing over it to harbor 

gravel or dirt. It would be ad- 
visable to fit the shoe carefully, 

or even drive two or three nails, 

to know exactly the position of 

the shoe upon the wall. Then 

mark the part to be cut out, when 

the nails can be pulled out, the 

part cut or filed away properly, and the shoe again nailed in place. 
Th'" success in the treatment of the case referred to, led me to 

belie- I had made an important discovery, as I had not found it 

laid down by any authorities on 
.shoeing. Since then, upon in- 
vestigation, I have found that the 
principle was well understood by 
many old authorities, though the 
method of treatment, as will be 
seen, was slightly different. 

On page 96 of Freeman's 
work on "Shoeing," published 
in 1796, he says : — 

I have frequently bouglit horses whose 
feet, on examination, proved to have 
corns, occasioned by ill-made shoes hav- 
ing pressed upon them. These were, in general, easily 
cured by paring the feet properly where the grievance 
lay, and turning the horse out without shoes for two or 
three months. 

In the supplement to Coleman's work, pub- 
lished in 1802, the writer found, for the cure 
of corns, the shoe cut away over the corn, as 
shown by Fig. 587. 

Bracy Clark's work, published in 1809, gives 
an illustration of a shoe with that part which 
would come over the corn entirely cut away. 




Fig. 551. — Form of Screw 

Used by the French for 

Spreading the Shoe. 



374 



SHOEING. 



The half-moon shoe, or tip, by Lafosse, referred to hereafter, is 
claimed to cure corns. Caesar Fiaschi, of the sixteenth century, 
gives a figure of a three-quarter shoe, 
almost the same form as that of Bracy 
Clark's, for this trouble. White's work, 
published in 1820, says : — 

The only thing to be done is to take off the shoe, 
and turn the horse out to grass. In slight cases, 
however, this may not be absolutely necessary, 
and is often inconvenient, but it is by far the 
best plan, and I may add, perhaps the only effectual 
one, when a radical cure is desired. 




Fig. .552. — French Convex Shoe. 



Weak Heels. 

If from any cause there has been much 
fever in the feet for some time, in conse- 
quence of being driven on hard roads, or being partially foundered, 
there will be diminished supply of horn, so that the wall will not 
only grow slower, but thinner. (See reference to inflammation and 
Figs. 555, 556.) 

Sometimes the heels are cut down so closely that should the 
shoe work loose, and wear or break down the quarters, it would be 




Fio. .5.55.— Bracy Clark's Convex Shoe. 
From his Book Published in 1819. 



Fig. 5.54. — Ordinary Convex Shoe. 



easy to produce a weak, low condition of the heels. This ma}- cause 
a great deal of trouble, on account of the slowness with which the 
horn grows to supply the increased wear. This morbid condition of 



SHOEI^^G. 



375 



inflammation also produces another 
very marked effect, namely, that of sep- 
arating the wall from the sole, or what 
is termed becoming shelly. Sometimes, 
if the shoes are badly fitted and made 
too wide at the heels (as explained un- 
der the head of " Contraction "), they 
will soon cause a weak, bad condition 
of the heels, the quarter gradually giv- 
ing way or breaking down ; and if the 
foot is at all flat, the sole and frog be- 
come liable to settle, or are made con- 
vex. 

One of the most marked cases of this 
kind the writer ever saw was that of a 
cart-horse, brought to his notice in 
Central Pennsylvania. The feet were 
broad and flat, with the heels drawn 
in to a point so that there was scarcely 
any bearing of them upon the shoe. 
The result 




Fig. .5.5.';.— The Foot of a Pony that 

had been Calked, Referred to in 

Text, after the Inflammation 

had Subsided. Growing 

Nearly a Quarter of 

an Inch Larger. 




Fio. 5.56. — The Foot Drawn In and 
Deformed from Long-continued In- 
flammation Caused by a Nail be- 
ing Driven into Iha Foot, the 
Hoof Growing About Half an 
Inch Larger after the In- 
flammation Subsided. 



of this was that the horn wore or 
broke away until the line of bearing 
was over an inch above that of the frog. 
To remedy the difficulty the calks were 
raised correspondingly high to keep the 
frog from the ground. (See Fig. 594.) 
This horse traveled with great diffi- 
culty, even on a walk. 

The course most likely to give suc- 
cess in the management of these cases, 
is to use a wide shoe that will give a 
large bearing-surface to the weak parts, 
and sustain them. Of course, nothing 
more should be cut away from the 
heels than is sufficient to only level 
them a little. Special care should be 
taken to prevent them from breaking 
and wearing down by the shoe, which 
may be done by placing a piece of 
leather between the bearing-surface 
and shoe. As the horn will usually be 



376 



SHOEING. 



very brittle and weak, it is advisable to 
use great care in fitting the shoe, with 
thin clips on each side. At any rate, the 
shoe must be fastened on so firmly that it 
will not get loose. In some cases it may 
be necessary to bring the bar down so 
as to enable a more accurate line of ad- 
justment to the shoe and frog. 

When in Massachusetts, in 1876, a 
leading horseman called my attention to 
a fast-trotting stallion that had weak 
feet, and which caused him a great deal 
of trouble. He wished to know how to 
shoe them so as to improve their con- 
dition. I found the feet in good shape, 
but the sole and wall were very thin and 
weak, the effect, undoubtedly, of the 
horse being slightly foundered or over- 
heated. I advised putting on a shoe 
that would support the sole and frog, the 
space between the shoe and frog to be 
packed with oakum. He objected that 
this would not do, as the horse would 
not bear any pressure at all upon the 
Some time afterward m^• 




Fig. 557. — Shoe for Cure of Con 
traction. Devised by the Writer. 



sole. 

attention was called to a very 
high indorsement from this gen- 
tleman of a certain form of patent 
shoe that had been used on this 
horse. It stated that it enabled 
the horse to travel as well as ever, 
and that its utility was all that 
could be desired. I was interested 
to know just what kind of a shoe 
had been used, and when again in 
that vicinity, I found one at con- 
siderable trouble, of which I give 
an accurate drawing. (See Fig. 
598.) While it may be evident 
that in many such cases the shoe 
could be made to support the en- 
tire sole, if hammered out of iron. 




Fig. 558. — The Shoe Adjusted. 



SHOEING. 



the increased weight would make it seriously objectionable. The 
fitting of a thin piece of steel plate, as shown in Fig. 598, would en- 
able this to be done with but little addition to its weight. The 
manner of putting it on was simply by bringing the whole sur- 
face of the wall ana frog to an even bearing, to which the shoe was 
carefully adjusted. 

Next, the space between 
the shoe and bottom of the 
foot was filled with oakum, 
to which was added a little 
tar and resin, so as to form 
an even but firm support all 
the waj- round. '^ The draw- 
ing of the oakum, as it ap- 
pears in Fig. 601, is an ex- 
act illustration of that which 
was used upon the shoe 
named, though onl)- the 
back part of it is shown. 
Parties who had used the 
shoe upon feet which had 
become sore and tender 
from driving upon hard, 
stony roads in the city and 
neighborhood, stated that 
it enabled the horses to 
travel much better. If the 
foot is sore and sensitive, 
supporting it with a bed of 
oakum in this way will 
serve to break concussion, 
and consequently make the 
horse go better for a time. 
But for contraction, quar- 
ter-crack, coffin-joint lame- 
ness, etc., for which it was advertised as a cure, it cannot benefit 
beyond the effect of slightly breaking concussion, as explained. 
It would be just the thing for weak heels and for any condition 

*A preparation of tar, beeswax, liard soap, and resin, melted and formed into a 
salve, to be used witli oakum as a packing, was given the writer by a horseman of 
much experience, as the best for this purpose, claiming that it softened the feet and 
stimulated the secretion of horn. 




Fig. .559. — Spreaders in Position to Open the Heels. 



378 



HHOElXa. 




Fig. otjn, — Back View of a Hoof Greatly 

Contracted, the Effect of Long^con- 

tinued Inflammation. 



where the sole and frog need sup- 
port. As it is, however, seriously 
objectionable to cover the whole 
bottom of the foot when it can be 
avoided, I include cuts of an im- 
provement by which the whole 
bearing-surface of the frog and 
heels, the important parts, can be 
supported without the sole being 
excluded from moisture or air, 
which is important for the secretion 
of healthy horn. In such a case, if 
desired, the plate instead of being 
let to the inner edge, can be ex- 
tended across the quarter so that 
the upper surface will come even 
with the shoe, and be riveted on. 



Interfering. 
The main point in the management of interfering is to have the 
shoe close under the wall at the 
point of striking, and the offend- 
ing part shortened or straight- 
ened a little, and to have 
no nails driven there, the 
clinches of which would soon 
rise and cause cutting. The 
edge of the shoe should be bev- 
eled under a little, and filed 
smooth. There is usually a good 
deal of carelessness in letting 
the shoe extend outside the 
crust at the point of the heel. 
It should set well under the 
wall all the way round, and the 
wall be filed smoothl}- to it. In 
addition, in some cases, the 
horse will travel better to lower 
the inside heel a little ; in others, 

to raise it. It is in all cases Fig. 5(!1. -Showing two Openings Caused 
advisable, however, if the horse by Corns. 




SHOEIXG. 



379 




Fig. 562.— Shoe as Nailed on to 
be Spread. 



can be made to travel without striking, to keep the adjustment 
natural by paring- the foot level and making the shoe of an equal 
thickness all the \va\' round, with 
perhaps the inner part straightened 
a little. 

Sometimes colts driven to a sulky, 
when a little leg-weary, may strike 
badly ; in such a case the ankle must 
be protected. In all cases where the 
ankle is cut, the swelling and sore- 
ness increase the difficulty, and 
should be guarded against by cov- 
ering. If the irritation is kept up, 
and this is not done, it may result 
in permanent enlargement of the 
part, which would afterward increase 
the liability to be hit. This can be 
prevented only by coverings, or by 
being protected by the ordinary sim- 
ple means, until the inflammation 
subsides and the injury heals. Prof. McLellan says on this sub- 
ject : — 

Treatment for interfering, to be rational, must take into account tlie causations. 
Thus, if the toes turn out — a very common cause of interfering — they should be in- 
clined in all that is possible. This can be accomplished by bending the outside web 

of the shoe from its inner to its outer 
border, making the edge through which the 
nails are driven, quite thiu. Or if calks 
are used, the toe-calk can be welded 
nearer the inside than the outside toe, and 
the toe-calk beveled at the expense of its 
outer extremity. If the knee is banged, 
but light shoes are indicated. Lightness in 
the shoe is always desirable in the hind 
feet, and if the season of the year permits, 
tips will be found very effective in pre- 
vention of interfering. The nails should 
be left out of the hoof at the point where 
it strikes, because the clinches are liable 
to become raised or loosened, and do in- 
jury- 

Clicking, or Overreaching.* 




Fig. 563. — As the Heels Appear after 
Being Spread. 



This is a term applied to the striking of 
the hind shoes against the forward ones 
during progres.sion. It maj' be due either 



* Contributed by Prof. McLellan. 



380 



SHOEIXG. 




Fig. 504.— Badly Contracted Foot. Tlie Lines B B 
Stiow tlie Degree to wtiicti the Foot may 
in Time be Spread. 



to a faulty conformation, to weak- 
■ ness, or to disease. In seeking to 
remedy the defect, we must en- 
deavor to discover its cause. If it 
is due to defective form, we may 
so adjust the hoofs and apply the 
shoes that the feet shall be placed 
upon the ground in such relation 
to the body as to modify in some 
measure the fault of form. In- 
some cases the toes of the forward 
feet must be reduced all that is 
possible, and the toes of the hind 
feet lengthened. In others, weights 
or heavy shoes upon the forward 
feet answer a good purpose. In 
some. Weights upon the outside of 
the hind feet overcome the diffi- 
culty. 

If the hind feet are placed upon 
the ground well forward when the 
animal is at rest, heel-calks of 
fxtra length will be found useful. 
"Weakness, as a cause of click- 
ing, is shown in colts and in horses 

that have diseased hind feet. In the first, the animal is not able, or has not learned, 

to dwell upon the hind feet to give to the body that forward impulse that comes 

from the longpvsh; in the second, pain prevents the extension. In the case of the 

colt, shoeing must be supplemented by good 

driving. — the animal should be kept up to 

the bit, and the head well checked up, and 

should not be fatigued b}' overdriving. In 

the case where the clicking depends upon a 

diseased condition of the foot or leg, the 

removal of the cause is the indication. As 

general rules for the prevention of clicking, 

the toe of the forward hoof should be re- 
duced all that it will bear ; the shoe should 

be short, both at the toe and heel ; the heels 

of the shoe should be beveled at the expense 

of its ground surface ; when the toe should 

be beveled, giving the shoe, when applied. 

the apjiearance of one partly worn. In maii\' 

cases concaving the ground surface of the 

shoe is useful. If the toes are long and the 

heels extremely low, thick-heeled shoes or 

heel-calks are indicated. 

The hind shoes should be light, and long 

at the heels, giving the heels of the shoe as 

wide a bearing as possible. In case the toe 




Fig. 56- 



Simple Form ef Shoe for 
Spreading the Quarters. 



CAUSES OF INJURY. 



381 



of the hind foot is much worn, and as a consequence the hoof spread at its plantar 
surface, clips should be drawn up from each side of the shoe, so as to grasp the 
wall at its widest part. No attempt should be made to fit the shoe to the squared 
and shortened toe ; but give it the natural form, and let it project at the toe to that 
extent that would indicate the length of the hoof were it unworn. Heel-calks upon 
the hind shoes .are :i|)|ilicnlile to nearly all cases. 

In all cases of overreaching or click- 
ing, adjusting the hoof and shoe so 
that the inside quarter and toe of the 
hoof are higher than the outside, will 
assist in overcoming the difficulty. 

Stumbling. 

Stumbling is usually associated with 
some diseased condition of the foot. 
In the prevention of this disagreeable 




^ 



Pig. 



500. — An Outline of Mr. Roberge'S Spring, 
with its Position on the Foot. 



Fi(i. .507.— Thick- 

ness of Spring. 

Full Size. 



Fig. 568.— Width 

of Bar. Full 

Size. 



and dangerous habit, particular attention must be given to cutting the hoof. Reduce 
the hoof all it will bear without injury ; see that the hoof is of equal depth on each 
side of the toe. This you can ascertain best by standing in front of the horse and 
comparing the two sides. In fitting the shoe, bend up the toe, giving it the rounded 
appearance of one well worn. If calks must be used, weld toe-calk back to inner 
margin of web, making it low. In the stable use wet swabs to the feet. 

Shoeing Foundered Horses. 

If the mobility of the foot is destroyed, as the result of chronic 
founder, or other cause of morbid inflammation, mobility must be 
aided by rounding the entire shoe or toe. If the foot is entirely 
stiff, the shoe must be so formed that it will roll upon the ground, 
which can be easily done by leaving the inner edge of each side 
wide, and turning down in a half circle, as shown in Fig. 609. 

If the sole is broken down, or the wall separated at the toe, the 
result of acute inflammation or founder, weight will be thrown more 
upon the heels. For such cases the shoe must be so fitted as to ex- 
tend well back under the heels ; and if the sole is thin at the toe — 
bulging down — it may be supported by letting a thin flange of iron 



382 



SHOEI.XG. 



extend well back under it ; or fitting a steel plate across the part so 
as to give an even support all the way round, and the adjustment 
made easy by packing with 
oakum, though in most 
cases the sole will not bear 
pressure, and is simply to 
be protected by a wide 
shoe. The shoeing of such 
feet must be in a great 
measure experimental; 
consequently the ingenu- 
ity of the owner or smith 
must be exercised to con- 
form with best advantage 
to the condition of the case. 
First, do nothing that will 
irritate or make the foot 
sore. It simply must be supported to the best advantage, and the mo- 
bility aided by rounding the toe, or setting the calks well back under it. 

Special Causes of Ixjurv.* 




Fig. 569. — Roberge's Best Form of Shoe to Aid the 
Mobility of the Foot in Lameness. 




Fig. .570.— Side View of the Above, Showing 
the Curve. 



I add references to a few 
authorities, showing the 
bad effect of paring the 
sole and frog excessively^ 
rasping the outer surface 
of the hoof, and the use of 
thick, badly-fitting shoes. 
I will call attention first 
to the most prominent authority. Prof Coleman, from whose teach- 
ings all the modern works in this country have been principally 
guided in their instruction. 
In January, 1792, a Veterin- 
ary College was started in 
London. A short time after- 
ward Edward Coleman was 
appointed Chief Professor. I 
cannot do better here than 
to copy from Prof Gamgee's 
work on " Shoeing," pub- 

*The illustratiODS in this article overrun the text, and this will explain why they are not 
placed opposite the matter referring to them. 



Fig. .571 —An Exact Scale of the Curve 
of the Above Shoe. 



Fig. 572. — Cross-section of the Same. 



CAUSES OF INJURY. 



383 



lished in London in 1874, in relation to Coleman's teaching 
sa}'s : — 



He 




Fig. 573. — Ordinary Form of Rolling Motion Shoe. 



■ lu England, since Prof. Cole- 
man ruthlessly destroyed tbe em- 
pirical knowledge of the old mas- 
ters, and substituted for it a system 
of fantastic and often cruel no- 
tions, we have been a prey to end- 
less speculative theories. The 
result is that with the best horses 
in the world, we have a far larger 
proportion of lame ones than are 
to be found in any other coun- 

'■^y- * * * 

"It was a kind of teaching on 
the foot and on shoeing that did 
the incalculable and, I fear, almost irreparable damage which has brought suffering 

on horses and shortened their ex- 

^Z;>>v,^ y~^ istence, which has spoiled farriers, 

^^v;;;~~,.^^_^ ^^__^..^^^^ by leading them astray on false 

'^ pretexts, and has entailed dis- 

PiG. 574.— Cross-section of the Same. credit on the English Veterinary 

School. * * * 
" One change, among others introduced by Mr. Coleman, has entailed, I believe, 
a more lasting damage on the art 
farriery than any of his many oth- 
er crochets, which have unfortu- 
nately become thoroughly parts of 
English horse-shoeing. He intro- 
duced the drawing-knife, and 
made it supercede the buttress for 
preparing the feet for shoeing. 
The buttress is the instrument still 

in use for paring down the wall surface to receive the shoe everywhere except in 

England and parts of the New 
World, to which English hands 
and language have carried our 
modes of shoeing, such as it has 
become only within the present 
century. 

" Old men can remember the 
buttress's being in general use 
throughout Great Britain ; but 
the way it was banished from 
English practice is known to few ; 
and its supercedence, and these 
remarks on the effects of the 
change, may astonish many. The 
drawing-knife, or searcher, as it 
was called, a small, hooked. 




Fig. 575. — Side View, Showing Degree of Curve. 




Fig. 576. — Ground Surface of Above, Showing 
Method of Putting on Calkins. 



3S4 



SHOEING. 




Fi(i. 



-Quarter-crack. 



crooked little instrument, was formerly kept for the purpose of exploring wounds and 
extracting foreign liodies from the foot, and was to that extent in vogue on the Con- 
tinent as well as in England. But theorizing, and a fancy for a change, led the 
professor to order the general use of the little hooked knife instead of such a broad, 
level tool as the buttress. He had unfortunately conceived such notions as that the 
sole of the foot did not bear the weight of the animal, that it was necessary to pare 
it thin every time the horse was shod, and that 
I lie broad, level buttress was not suited for 
tliat ; hence the preference for the little scoop- 
ing, crooked searcher. As these incidents 
have had a disastrous effect on shoeing, which 
we have scarcely in any degree begun to re- 
lieve, I will iiunte frcMU Mr. Coleman's work of 

ITUS; — 

"'Those who supposed that the weight of 
the animal was chieflj- supported by the horny 
^'ilc. have attributed a function to that organ 
A hich it does not possess ; but, although the 
l.iiuinro are capable of sustainmg the animal, 
yet, as they are elastic, and at every step elon- 
gate, the horny sole is necessarily pressed down 
in the same degree, and by first descending and 
tlien ascending, as the laminjc dilate and 

contract, the horny sole contriliutes very materially to prevent concussion. This 

union of the crust with the coffln-bone sustains the weight of the animal ; the crust 

supports the weight even when the horny sole and frog are removed ; if the sole and 

frog in reality supported the weight, tlien the foot would .slip through tlie cru.st when 

the frog and sole were takpn away, 

" ' The sole, frog, and bars were taken away from both the fore feet of a horse ; 

the feet were then alternately lifted by 

placing the hands on the loins of the 

horse ; he kicked, all his weight was 

then sustained by the lamina; of the fore 

feet, and yet this made not the smallest 

degree of change in the situations of 

the bones. 

" • From tliis experiment, therefore, it 

is, that tlie union of the sensitive lamintp 

with the liorny lamina; is sufflciently 

strong to sujjport the whole weight of 

the animal on two feet. 

" ' The first thing to be attended to 

is to take away the portion of the sole 

with the drawing-knife ; and to avoid 

pressure, the sole should be made con- 
cave or hollow. If there be any one 

part of the practice of shoeing more important than the rest, it is this removal of 

the sole between the bars and the crust. In common practice these parts are removed 

by an instrument called the buttress. 

" ' The removal of a proper quantity of horny sole lias been re]iresentcd to be a 




Fio. 



-French Shoe. 



SHOEING. 



385 



delicate operation, and in the hands of common smiths liable to do mischief. But 
any smith capable of paring a hoof cannot fail to be equal to removing part of the 
sole with the drawing-knife. That the practice may be failhfully executed in the 
army, a farrier from each regiment of cavalry has been permitted to attend the col- 
lege to learn the practical part of shoeing.' 

" The foregoing i)assages, abounding as they do in errors, give evidence of the 
manner in which some of the greatest changes in the prac- 
tice of horseshoeing have occurred since its history has 
been written, and changes which have led to the worst pos- 
sible results. Once, however, the notion got jjossession of 
the minds of the men at the wheel, that IIk; bottom of the 
foot, its arched sole, 
was not designed to 
support the weight, 
but to yield to pressure 
downward ; e ve ry - 
thing had to give way 
to that idea. The sole 
and frog were torn 
away, and because, 
during the barbarous 
experiment, the con- 
nection did not yield, and the bone 

torn glove, negative evidence was taken in confirmation of tlie theory framed ; 
the paring away of the horses' soles with the drawing knife was tliu.s estab- 
lished, and the army, by sending farriers to learn the new system, became the 
means of enforcing the absurd and cruel practice of thinning the sole throughout 
this kingdom and the colonies. 

"It is interesting to see the differently constituted mind of Mr. Moorcroft on 
the natural bearing of the question in 1800. He says : — 

" ' The sole ties the lower edge of the crust together, and by its upper part 
forming a strong arch, it affords a firm basis to the 
bone of the foot, and by its strength it defends 
the sensitive parts within the hoof.' 

"This is true. We fail to discover a single 
in any work or any 





Fig. 



79. —An Old Quarter-crack 
Grown Down. 



Fro. .'580.— Quarter-crack. 



protrude like a finger through 




Fifi. .581. -Toe-crack. 



Fio. ^>K. — Toe-crack. 



traditional account to show 
that any objection was raised 
to the continuance of the use 
of the buttress in England, any 
more than over the rest of the 
world, where it had been 
adopted from time immemo- 
rial, until, along with his other 
new theories about shoe- 
ing, Mr. Coleman believed it to be the wrong thing to employ, and then a 
crooked knife and a coar.se rasp were adopted as weapons that might do more de- 
structive execution than the one dismissed." 

George Fleming, in his work on "Shoes and Horse-shoeing," says : — 

" This evil of paring or rasping must be looked upon as the greatest and most 

destructive of all that pertains to shoeing, or even to our management of the horse. 



386 



SHOEING. 



Nine tenths of the workmen who resort to this jmictice cannot explain its object, 
and those who have written in defense of it say it is to allow the descent of the sole 
and facilitate the lateral expansion of the hoof. 

■'Fan('y our gardeners cutting and rasping the bark off our fniil-trces, to assist 
them in their natural functions, and improve their appearance ; and yet the bark is 
of no more vital importunco to the tree than the horn of the sole wall and frog are 
to the horse's foot. 





Fiu. 5y:i — Quarter-crack. 



Fig. 584.— Effect of Founder. 



" The sole, froy, and bars must on no account, nor under any conditions, unless those- 
of a pathological nature, he interfered with in any way by knife or rasp. As certainly 
as they are interfered with, and their substance reduced, so surely will the hoof he 
injured. Nature has made every provision for the defense. They will support tlie 
contact of hard, soft, rugged, or even sharp bodies, if allowed to escape the drawing- 
knife ; while hot, cold, wet, or even dry weather has little or no influence on the in- 
terior of the foot, or on the tender horn, if man does not step in to beautify the feet 
by robbing them of their protection, perhaps merely to please the fancy of an ig- 
norant groom or coachman. 
/'^\^^\ /•'~\ " If ^0 closely examine the u]yier surface 

X f \ I \ of the sole of a hoof that has been separated 

'' l^^ V \ from its contents by maceration, we will find 

it perforated everywhere by myriads of mi- 
nute apertures, which look as if they had been 
formed by the point of a fine needle. If we 
look al.so at the vascular parts of the foot that 
have been in contact with this horny surface, 
il will be observed that they have been closely 
studded with exceedingly fine, yet somewhat 
long, filaments, as thickly set as a pile of the 
richest Genoa velvet. These are the villi, or 
papilhe, which enter the horny cavity, and 
lilting into them like so many fingers into a 
glove, constitute the secretory apparatus of 
the frog as well as the sole. Each of the 
filaments forms a born tube or fibre, and pass- 
es to a certain depth in a protecting canal 
whose corneous wall it builds. When injected 
with some colored preparation, one of them 
makes a beautiful microscopical object, appearing as a long, tapering net-work q\ 
blood-vessels, surrounding one or two parent trunks, and communicating with each 
other in a most wonderful manner. These filaments are also organs of tact, each 




Fig. 58.').— Shoe for Quarter-crack. 



CAUSES OF IXJURY. 



.•'.S7 



fiMil with llic^ allrihuU 



nil' cxlcnt, llic iiiiiimnl of iii- 
(lil'cnse iiiul support boing ru- 
r llicse villi cut tlirough, tlio 

ciiiilMiiiini,' cnvity of each vils- 




containing a sensitive ncrvr, destined to endow tin 
tactile organ. 

"This distribution will enable us to realize, to f 
jury done by ])arin)j;. The horn thrown out for tin 
moved by the farrier's knife, and pcrha|)8 tlu! ends 
meager pelliele renuiining rapidly shrivel 
eular Inl'l as nuiekly contracts on tin- 
vessels and nerves, which, in their turn, 
diminish in volume, disappear, or be- 
come morbidly sensitive, through this 
squeezing influence. The feet of a horse 
so treated are always hot, the soles ar(^ 
dry and stony, and become unnaturally 
concave. The animal goes tender afli r 
each shoeing, and It is not until the horn 
has been regenerated to a certain ex 
tent, that he steps with anything like ease. 
Until the new material has been formed, 
each [japilli experiences the same amount 
of inconvenience and suflering that a hu- 
man foot does in a new, tight b(jol. 

"This tenderness is usually ascribed to 
the nails and other causes ; and the horse, 
in the stable, rests on one foot, then on 
the other, as if he sullered uneasiness 
or pain. * * * 

" All the pre|)aration any kind of 'foot usually reijuires for the shoe may be 
summed up in a few words ; leveling the crust in conformity with the limb and foot, 
and removing as much of its margin as will restore it to its natural li^ngth, rounding 
its outer edge at the same time, and leaving the sole, bars, frog, anil heels in all their 
natural integrity." 

O.smer, ati old writer of good staiidinj^, in 17r)l said : — 

" I believe there are many hor.ses that might travel 
their whole lifetime unshod on any road, if they 
were rasped round and short on the toe ; because 
all feet exposed to hard objects become thereby more 
obdurate, if the sole be never pared ; and some, 
by their particular form, depth, and strength, are 
able to resist them quite, and to support the weight 
without breaking ; anil Ihtc a very little reflection 
will teach us whence the custom arose of shoeing 
horses in one part of the world and not in another. 
In Asia there is no such custom of shoeing the horsi; 
at all, because the feet acquire a very obdurate and 
firm texture from the dryness of Iho climate and 
the soil, and do really want no defense. But every 
rider has a rasp to sliorten his horse's feet, which 
would otherwise grow long and rude, and the crust 
of the hoof would most certainly split." 



Fio. 580. — GIfford's Foot as it Appeared 
Before Treatment. 




Fio. 587.— Shoe Fitted for Cur 
ing Corns. From Coleman. 



SHOEIXfJ. 




Pig. 588.— Position of the Spreaders for 
Opening the Quarter. 



He continues by saying, — 
'• From the good tliat was found to arise from putting shoes on horses which 
have naturally weak feet from being brought up on wet land, the custom of putting 
«hoes on all kinds of feet became general in some countries. Our ancestors, the 

original shoers, proposed nothing 
more, I dare say, in their first ef- 
forts, than to preserve the crust 
from breaking waj', and thought 
themselves happy that they had 
skill enough so to do. The mod- 
erns also are wisely content with 
this in the racing waj'. 

" In process of time the fertility 
of invention and the vanity of man- 
kind have produced a variety of 
methods ; almost all of which are 
productive of lameness ; and I am 
thoroughly convinced from obser- 
vation and experience, that nine- 
teen lame horses out of every twenty 
are lame of the artist, which is ow- 
ing to the form of the shoe, his ig- 
norance of the design of nature, 
and maltreatment of the foot, every 
part of which is made for some purpose or other, though he does not know it. 

"I suppose it will be universally assented to, that whatever method of shoeing 
approaches nearest to the law of na- 
ture, such is likely to be the most perfect 
method.* * * 

"The superfices of the foot around 
the outside, now made plane and smooth, 
the shoe is to be made quite tlat, of an 
equal thickness all around the outside, 
and open and most narrow backward at 
the extremities of the heels ; for the gen- 
erality of horses, those whose frogs are 
diseased, either from natural or inciden- 
tal causes, require the shoe to be wider 
backwards ; and to prevent this flat shoe 
from pressing on the sole of the horse, 
the outer part thereof is to be made 
thickest, and the inside gradually thin- 
ner. In such a shoe the frog is permit- 
ted to touch the ground, the necessity 
of which has already been seen. Added 
to this, the horse stands more firmly 
upon the ground, having the same points of support as in a natural state. 

" Make the shoes as light as you can according to the size of your horse, because 
heavy shoes spoil the back sinews and weary the horse ; and if he happen to over- 
reach, the shoes, being heavy, are all the more rapidly pulled off. 




Fig. 589. — The Shoe as it Appeared when on. 
with the Quarters Opened Out. 



CAUSES OF INJUMY. 



38& 



" Those who think it frugalit}- to shoe with thiclv and heavy shoes, and seldom, 
are deceived, for they lose more by it than they gain ; for thereby they not only spoil 
the back sinews, but lose more by it than if they had been light." 

It is conceded by all the best modern authorities that the 
French author above referred to, whose work was published in 1750, 
was the great father of a correct 
system of reform in shoeing. It 
was supposed in his day, as it is 
in a great measure now, that a 






Fig. 592.— Flat, Convex Sole. 



Fig. 590, 591. — Sand-crack, or Fissure in Front of Hoof. 

A deep substance ot horn is found beneath the fissure at the lower part of the hoof, 
where a corresponding cavity is formed by absorption in the coffin-bone. 

horse could not travel without having heavy, unwieldy shoes on, 
and that the greatest skill 
was exhibited in the amount 
of cutting and rasping done 
on the feet. 

He boldly proclaimed that 
all this was injurious, and 
tried to prove it by the most 
convincing arguments. The 
principles of treatment, 
though given a hundred and thirty years ago, are just as important 
now as they were then. He 
says : — 

"In the state of nature, all the 
inferior parts of the foot concur to 
sustain the weight of the body ; 
then we observe that the heels and 
frog, the parts said to be most ex- 
posed, are never damaged by wear, 
that the wall or crust is alone worn 
on going on hard ground, and that 
it is only this part which must be 
protected, leaving the other parts 
free and unfettered in their natural 
movements." 




-Flat, Weak Sole. 



390 



SHOEING. 




Fig. 594. — Foot Referred to in Text as it Appeared. 



In advising tips or thin-heeled shoes, he says : — 
" Tliin tips extending back to the middle of tbe quarters, allow the heels to 
bear upon tbe ground, and tbe weight to be sustained behind and liefore, but partic- 
ularly in the latter, because the weight of the body falls heaviest there. 

• " The shorter the shoe is. 

the less tbe horse slips, and 
tbe frog has tbe same influ- 
ence in preventing this that 
an old hat placed under our 
own shoes would have in 
protecting us from slipping 
on the ice. * * * 

"It is necessary, neverthe- 
less, that hoofs which have 
weak walls should be a little 
longer shod, so that the grad- 
ually thinning branches 
reach to the heels, though 
not resting upon them. For 
horses which have convex 
soles, these long shoes 
should also be used, and the 
toes should be more covered 
to prevent the sole touch- 
ing the ground. This is the only true method of preserving the foot and restoring 
it. A horse which has its feet weak and sensitive, ought to be shod as short as pos- 
sible, and with thin branches, so that tbe frog comes in contact with the ground ; 
because the heels, having nothing between them, are benefited and relieved. (See 
Fig. 479.) 

" Crescent shoes are all the more 
needful for a horse which has weak, 
incurvated quarters, as they not 
only relieve them, but also restore 
them to their natural condition. 
Horses which have contusion at the 
heels (Wains, corns), should also be 
shod in this way ; and for cracks 
(seime, sand-cracks) at the quarter, 
it is also advantageous, 

"Tbe sole or frog should never 
be pared ; the Tvall alone should be 
cut down, if it is too long, TVhen 
a horse cuts himself with tbe op- 
posite foot, the inner branch of 
the shoe ought to be shorter and 
thinner than the outer, 

"Rasping the foot destroys tbe 
strength of the hoof, and consequently causes its horn to become dry, and tbe 
horny laminse beneath to grow weak ; from this often arises an internal inflam- 
mation, which renders the foot painful, and makes the horse go lame, * * » 




.595. — The Shoe as it may be Fitted to 
Support Weak Heels. 



CAUSES OF INJURY. 



591 




Fig. 596. — Points Showing where the 

Horn is Strongest to Drive 

the Nails In. 



" When a liorse loses a shoe, a circumstance often occurring, if the hoof is 
pared, the animal cannot walk a hundred steps without going lame : because in this 
state the lower surface of the foot being hollowed, the horse's weight falls upon the 
crust, and this, having no support from the horny sole, is (luickly broken and worn 
away ; and if he meets hard substances on the road, he all the more speedily be- 
comes lame. It is not so when the sole is al- 
lowed to retain its whole strength. The shoe 
comes off, but the sole and frog resting on the 
ground, assist the crust in bearing the whole 
weight of the body, and the animal, though 
unshod, is able to pursue his journey safe 

and sound It is necessary to be 

convinced of another fact ; that, is, it is rare 
that a horse goes at his pase and is not 
promptly fatigued, if the frog does not touch 
the ground. As it is the only point of sup- 
port, if you raise it from the ground by paring 
it, there arises an inordinate e.xtensiou of 
the tendon, caused by the pushing of the cor- 
onary against the navicular bone, as has been 
mentioned above, and which, being repeated 
at every step the animal takes, fatigues it and 
induces inflammation. From thence often 
arises distentions of the sheaths of tendons 
(moletts-vulgo, ' windgalls ') engorgements, 

and swelling of tendons, etc., that are observed after long or rapid journeys. These 
accidents arise less from the length of the journey, as has been currently believed, 

than from the false practice of 
paring the sole. . . . We al- 
ways find ourselves more active 
and nimble when we wear easy 
shoes ; but a wide, long, and 
thick shoe will do for horses 
what clogs do for us, — render 
them heavy, clumsy, and un- 
steady. * * * 

'■ The feet become convex by 
hollowing the shoes to relieve the 
heel and frog, because the more 
the shoes are arched from the 
sole, the more the wall of the 
hoof is squeezed and rolled in- 
ward, particularly toward the in- 
ner quarter, which is the weakest ; 
the sole of the foot becomes con- 
vex, and the horse is nearly al- 
ways unfit for service. * * * 

" The reason why it is dangerous to pare the feet of horses is, that when the 
sole is pared, and the horses tands in a dry place, the horn becomes desiccated by the 
air which enters it, and removes its moisture and its suppleness, and of ten causes the 
animal to be lame. * » * 




Fig. 597.— The Same as would Appear with the 
Shoe On. 



aji'j 



siioKi.su;. 



•■ It is till' iJiiird f.Hil thiit in iiiiirc iiITc<-|.m1 wllli wliiil is liriiinl ccmlni.lcil nr 
wi'mU iiisidd cuiiirlcr, iiiid wliicli also Iiiiiich llic linrsc. 

■ It iilsd lm|)|it.|iH lliiil omi (11- hdlli tumitcis roiilnict, and M.incliiiiis (•v<-ti the 
wliiilc lii..if, wlicii. ill coiicc'inu'iicc (if ils siiialliicHs, all llu' liilrriial parlB aio coiilliK -1 

ill lliclr iiKivniiciilH ; tliis is due to parlug, 
mid Imiirs llui liiirHc. 





Pui. 508. — Orlfllnal Shoo Filled with 
Plalo On. 



Kiii. .Mill Form ol Bar Shoo which 

would bo a Good Support lor 

Weak Hools. 



■ TIkmo iiIho (M'i'UiH tiiiotlidi' accident : wlicii llic .|n:iri(r licconu-s contracted, the 
lioof splits In Its lateral nHpecIs, and tlie horse is lame. 'I'his accidenl Is tornied u 
Hiind-ciaek (seiiiie). "- l.iifnnn,. 

'riioiit,'Ii not ^'fiur.illy known, tliis s>-stfiil of sli<H-intj lias Inner 
liccii in iisi- in India. iMc-cman, in liis work luiliiisluil in I 7!M;, u lu) 





Km. (too. Sanio as 598 with Plato 
Romovod. 



Fio. (idl. Heel ol Shoo 598 with Pad 
ol Oakuai Attached. 



i.s j'l't (.■oiisiiKrcil LjiMxl authniity, slroni;ly .uivoiatiil tlii.s s\stiiii of 
shoeing. lie ^ivts till- Idllowiny statement, w liitli e.\|)iaiiis itself: — 

"Tlu' iiisliiiiee ill wliiili I was dlRa])polMt(*d was that of a horse kept entirely for 
a riding horse, .'ind wlii. Ii was eon.seiiiieiitly almost daily under my own Inspuctiou. 



CAUS/iJS 0/'' IXJCIIY. 



;!!•;? 



ThiH luirHc liiul very Htninfj; r(r<'l, <in(! of whicli wiih Hiniillcr lliiiri Mii^ oilier, willi llwi 
too turiiiiij^ out and tlio frojf aliiioKt witHl<!(I. 'I'lii! liarH of Ihi: fool, iMifoni ho waH 
turned out, woro Hcarmly viHitilf!, but ui)on cxauiinltiK tliciii iiflcr Im liiid Ik!<!u out 




Boaring-surlaco of Shoo to 
Prevent Striking. 




Forv/ard Stioe lo Prevent 
Striking. 



alioul, lliriM^ iMOMlliH, tliiry wen; fiiuiiil lo have InrreaHcij HUr|iriKiii;<ly. NiilwilliHlandlii)^ 
thin, thoy W(!ro not Htronj^ enougli to eounlcrnet thu pniHmini of tlio <iuarl.<!rK ; and 
tho foot itwdf Hoonied to \m rallier docroaHod, wld(Oi \n contrary to what iH UHual ; for 



they (,'ciicrully lici 



lllTglT. Ho 



afUir tiaving been turned out for a certain titn 
partieubir a eane led nio to turn my mind to a 
|)arll(tular method of cunt. TliiH I Klioiihi hardly 
liave found out, if (-liance liad not at Ihnl timi: 
put into my liand.s IJoutenant Moor's " Narrulive 
of Captain Little'H Dfdaeliment." On i)a>.;e DII of 
this boolt Ih the following paHKagt; : — • 

"'The bigotry wilh whieh all HeelH of the 
nindooH adhere to their own cuKloinH \n very 
well known ; Hlill when lliCHe enHtoniH are Hirik 
ingly injudieiouH, and totally aliKtraetrd from 
all religiouH jireJudieeH, perKoveranee degeneriiteH 
Into obHtinaey, and iiinii)licily into ignoranee. 
Ho it is with the Mahrattas in abiding by liieir 
present (iractiee of eulling the hoof and Hhoeing 
horses; they cutaway the hinder j)art of tlie hoof 
in Kueh a manner lliat the i)astr!rn almost toueh(!H 
the ground, and the frog is sudered to grow so 
that the hoof is nearly a circle. In which form 
the shoes are made, the hinder parts alTnoHl 
touching, and Bo thin that a i)erHon of ordinary 
strength can easily twist them. Insleail of making the buck part of the shoe tliick- 
est, they hammer it quite thin, making the f(jro part thickest, and the shoe, grad- 
ually beioming thinner, (Mids in an edge.' 




004. Slioo to Prevent Inter- 
tcring or Clicking. 



594 



SIJOEIXG. 



" This mode of shoeing in a country where, from the nature of the climate, the 
horse's feet probably are very strong, did not strike me to be quite so injudicious as 
the author above mentioned represents it. I determined, therefore, to try on this 
jiarticular horse a shoe in some respects similar to those described, that I might see 
•whether it would alter the shape of his foot ; since It is said to make 'the frog grow so 





Fig. 605. — Form of Shoe Adapted for Pro- 
tection of the Foot and Aiding Mo- 
bility — From the French. 



Fig. G06. 
Ground View of Same. 



that the hoof is nearly a circle,' which was the very effect that in this case I wished 
to produce. I therefore ordered my sraith to make a shoe at my own forge in the 
form I generally use (which will be hereafter described), with the following excep- 
tions : The web of it was to almost cover the sole, room being given to admit a 
picker ; and as it proceeded to the heels, the web on each side was to be continued 
as far as the cleft which separates the bars from the frog. He was to make the fore 
part the 'thickest,' and to hammer it so thin at the heels that it would 'end in dn 
edge,' by which a person of ordinary strength could easily twist it. 

"I own I apprehended that this shoe, from 
being so thin at the heels, would bend in dif- 
ferent places, and thereby injure the foot. But 
as it was constantly under my own eye, I knew 
that if that circumstance should happen, the in- 
jury could not be material in the short time it 





Fig. 607.^Form of Shoe Adapted to Hind Foot 
to Aid Mobility. Used by the French. 



Fig. 608. 
Shoe Raised from the Heel. 



would be permitted to go unnoticed. But this did not prove to be the case. After 
the horse had worn this shoe a day or two only, I found the action of the leg was 
more free than it had ever been before ; for the bars with their covering touched 
the ground ; the extremities of the web on each side, by being so veiy thin, having 



CAUSES OF IXJURY. 



395 




bent a little over them, but thej' were prevented from injuring them by being ex- 
tended to the cleft whicli separated the bars from the frog. This pressure of the 
web on the bars was an assistance to them in the expan- 
sion of the quarters ; and the shoe was kept so wide at 
the heels that the exterior parts of it could not hurt him. 
This shoe, therefore, acted exactl}- contrary to other 
shoes, which, as I before men- 
tioned, are generally an im- 
pediment to the expansion of 
the heels, whereas this be- 
came an assistance to it. 

■■ In three weeks I took off 
this shoe to examine the state 
of the foot. His frog was 
found to be increased, and in 
a better condition than I had 
before seen it. The same shoe 
was therefore replaced for three weeks more, at the end of which time his foot had 
become considerably larger and straighter. In a week or ten days more the horse 
"was to go thirty-six miles on a turnpike road. 

"Although this kind of shoe had succeeded so well in a riding-horse, I had some 
doubts about venturing it on the road. However, 
I at last determined to risk it, and had another shoe 
put on of exactly the same pattern, in which he per- 
formed his journey without any injury, so that I 
have ever since continued to adopt it, having found 
it to answer beyond any expectation I had formed 
of it ; for that foot which was before smaller than 
the other, with the toe turning out, has, by the use 
of this shoe, become of the same size, and so straight that there is now scarcely any 
difference between the two feet." 



Figs. 609, 610.— Shoes Adapted for Stiff Joints. 




Fig. 611. — French Shoe for 
Aiding Mobility. 





Fig. 613. 



African Shoes. 



Fig. 613. 




[396] Representative Model Slices of Different Kinds. From the French. 




Representative Model Slices of Different Kinds. From tlie French. [3971 



3 ft 8 



.slIOlilNG. 



VVc give here a few specimens of sliocs from Caisar Fiaschi's 
woric, i)ubiishecl in England in the KUli century. Tiic figures of 
shoes he gives are twenty in number. No. 1. Forc-slioc without 
calkin ; 2. Shoe with the calkin ; () V Aragonaise on one side, and 
the other side thickened; ;{. Liiiu-ttc shoe, or "tip"; 4. Three- 
cjuarter slioc ; T). Beveled shoe, with the Aragouaise calkin on one 





br.uKli, and the otluT thii.k at the heel ; (1. .Shoe with sc/rf/is, or 
projecting toothed border, thickened towaid e.ich bvc\ to prevent 
slipping ; 7. Thick-sided shoe, thin toward the inner border, and 
seated like the iMiglish shoe ; 8. Shoe with buttons, or raised catches 
on the inner branch, and thickened on the heel of the same side ; 
!>. A shoe which has the inside heel and i|uarter much thicker and 



siioiihxa. 



:i!t)) 



narrower than usual; l<). A sIum' vvilli crests or jioints toward llu; 
(ground surface on tliL- tiK- and i|uart(:r, and /Kir/u/Zis at the hcil, ; 
I I. A slioc with tlio calkins douldcd over, and provided willi rin(.;s ; 
ly. Tlic f()f)t surface of a slioc witli the heels turnin}^ u|) toward llic 
foot; l.'5. Shoe witli two calkins; II. A /mr shoe; ir>. A jointed 
shoe to suit any size of fool ; Hi. A jointed shoe williont n.iils, and 
secured by tlie lateral border and the heel-screw; 17. A hind shoe 
with calkins ; 18. A shoe with om- of the branches (greatly thickened 
at the heel ; l!». A hind shoe with a crest or toe-piece ; 20, A liind 
siioe with the toe elon(;at<(l and curled upward, probal)ly for a foot 
tile back tc'ndons of which- were; contracted, causinjj the hors(; tf) 
walk' on the ])oint cjf the t<)<;. 

lielow, in l''ip;s. (iM2 *!Kr», are j.;iven a variety of old llonian 
shoes found in I'jifdand, l''ranc(;, and Switzerland, and ■.nppo.ed to 
be from nineteen hnndied to over two thousand yiars old. 





Fin (IHa 



)''i<i. (1h:j. 





Vui. mA. 



400 



.SHOEING. 





Fig. 687.- Syrian Shoe. 



Fill. <'isri. - Forged Steel Shoe, Specimen from a 

Variety Manufactured by the Bryden Forged 

Horse Shoe Works, Catasaqua, Pa.* 




Fio. C8S. Lafosse's Half -moon 
Shoe, and Tip of Steel. 




Fig. 089.— Arabian Shoe. 



Fio. 090.— Syrian Shoe. 



*This, with oilier cuts of model shoes manufactured by this company, were by 
special request forwarded to me for insertion amonii models of good working shoes, 
but were received too late to be put in proper ])lace. The patentee, Sir. Bryden, is 
known to me personally as a man of rare skill as a student of the foot. I am in- 
debted to him for many valuable points on the treatment of the foot, and the shoej 
manufactured under his supervision are so good in all respects that I would strongly 
urge upon shoers and others interested to give them a trial. 




Thi- slicic properly foriiird, udJiiMtcd, un.I iiiillcl 
1)1(1 horse tlmt liail iji'Vcr liccn shod l)Ut once. 



till- linof of a tlvu-vcar- 




J'iK- If- 

Tin; foot as it Is niliir'd by bad tn'atiiiriit. Tli.' slioi- and nails an- tc,o 
large; the ualls too many in uunibcr and driven Vm deep. 'riie shoe Is set ba^:lt 
too far. Tiic hoof Is rasped away so iiiiieh as to wealteii it and di-»ti'oy Its sym- 
inetr^v. 

PLATE I. 



PLATE 11/ 

A front \ic\v of the bones of the fore feet of a horse 
in their rei;iti\e jiosition. 

A. Till' i>astcni l)nnc. 

B. Thi- ((.ronnry bone. 

C. The navicular Ijoiic. 

D. The foot bone. 

E. The point of insertion of ihc tcndnri nf tlie extensor muscle. 

F. A concavity to j;;ive .■illacluueut to the ligament which unites the 
foot l)one to the coronary bone at (J. 

G. Coronary lione. 

H. A continuation of the same concavity, to wliich the cartilatre of 
the foot bone is attache<l. 

I. I. The upper and lower i)rocesses of the foot bone. 

K. K. A jLToove in the foot bone, which receives a division of the 
mara artery, coming round from behind. 

K, L. A groove receiving another division of that artery, wliich pro- 
ceeds roun ' the extreme edges of the foot bone. 



*Thc plate.s here given arc selected from the author's special book on the horse, 
"Facts for Horse Owners," in which arc forty plates. In the extra edition these plates 
are printer! in culdrs. 



PLATE III, 

A ))ack view of" tlic bones of the fore foot in their relative 
situation. 

A. rasU-ni boiif. 

B. C'Drnnarv lioiii'. 

C. Xitviculiir lumc. 
P. Foot bone. 

E. A cavity which in the iiuUiral stale is tillcil witli fat. 

F. Tlie iiii|K-i' surface of tlic navicular bone, fnnn wliicb two ligaments 
arise, and pass rouiid the lateral deiiression in the coronary bone, 
marked G. 

G. Points of attaelunent on lacli side of tlie ligament which unites tile 
navicular bone to the foot bone. 

I. Two grooves in which two iniiin trunks of the arteries are continued 

into the foot bone. 
K. The line'of insertion of the tendon of the llexor muscle. 

Fi IT. 



A view of the anterior ami inferior surfaces of the navicu- 
lar bone detached from the other bones. 




Fir. II. 




PLATE lY, 



PLATE I¥ 



This cut represents the third phalanx seen from its pos- 
terior part ; and the navicular bone, — inferior, superior, and 
anterior views. 

Posterior Part or tin- Third Plialanx (ADULT). 

A. Semi-lunar crest. 

D. Basilar process. 

F. Superior border. 

G. Spreading out of the articuliir face. 

K. Anterior view of the pyramidal eminence. 

M. Posterior view of the inferior face. 

N. Glenoid cavity of the superior face. 

Q. Portion of the articular surface corresponding to the anterior bor- 
der of the navicular bone. 

Ti. Retrossal ])rocess. 

S. Edge of the plantar fissure. 

V'. Posterior border of the third phalimx. 

X. Plantar orifice for passage of blood vessels. 



F/JT. //. 



Posterior Part of tlie Tliird PUalaiix (COLT). 



A. Semi-lunar crest. 

D. Basilar process. 

F. Superior border. 

M. Posterior view of the bone. 

R. Retrossal process. 

S. Plantar fissure. 

Fio-. III. 

Inferior Face of Navieiilar. 

C. Transverse ridge. 

E. Anterior border. 

H. E.ttremity of the bone. 

Fig. IV. 

A. Median ridge or bulge of the superior face. 

D. Anterior superior border. 

E. Anterior inferior border. 

G. Posterior border (is very thick, and cribblcd or pierced with vas- 

cular orifices). 



Fig. V. 



Anterior Face of Navicular. 



E. Soft part hollowed under the interior articular facet. 
H. Articular facet corresponding to the posterior facet of the third 
phalaM.x. 




Iig-llI 




Piffll 



a1^ 




'^M 



^ 

'i^/ 




PLATE V, 



PLATE Y. 

This plate represents the third plialanx of the colt, seen 
from its lateral, anterior, and inferior faces. 

Fig. I. 

Lateral Face. 

A. Base of the pynimidal emiuence. 

B. Vascular iiorosities. 
t'. Patilobe eminence. 
E. Pre-plantar fissure. 
P. Basilar process. 

K. Pyramidal eminence. 
R. Relnissal ])rocess. 

Fig. II. 

Anterior Face. 

A. Pyramidal eminence. 

B. Porosities and vascular imprints 

C. Patilobe eminence. 

D. Basilar jjrocess. 

E. Pre-plantar fissure. 

F. Superior border. 
Fig III. 

Inferior Face. 

A. Semi-lunar crest. 

H. Plantar fissure. 

J. Imprint of the insertion of the perforans. 

P. Inferior face. 

S. Ediie of the plantar tis^ure. 





'.Vf „ 




PLATE VI. 



i' L A I l^ VI. 

'Mil'. liiMii-' ii|iM.'iii, ili> pntnlMr r,i( i; (if IIk; (li^i(;il 
i(;(,;i')ii, Hexed Imi I. u.nil in ,i iii.iniiM Im 'ilimv In il'i full cx- 
friit the inferior or pLniLir f.Kc nf Ihr (oni, 

'I'lif nl<in lull IxTii iifii.l III, III .iJMrVf IIh: IIiIi'I |iIi,iI;uih, 
.iikI till cnvrlopiii^j mIiciiIi , -,1 lln lr ndoim (in; (li^f.'•( \i i\. 'I Ii> 
vclvcly IImsiic! Ih prfscrvri, 

A Mcdiiiii (iiic(, of Uui iiyrotiildiii l»o(ly (IU<«Uy hn") (if |>I<iiHiii 

ciihIiIoii, or Kdimlllvii IIrmih of Him fiiili<. 
It. Itniiii'iK'ii iif Hill |ryiiiiiililiil Ixxlv, 
('. (liirlllimlMoiin liiilh. 

i',. AtlJ^ld of IllltlO'lloil I,! Illf l.rNIM'lll':! l.f till' |,y I'll III III < I lll.lly 

I', I'ollll, Itl' MIICK (if (li(t (td.liy fcoj/. 

'1. liit^K'viil of i>(<|inriill(iii (if IliK Iwif f>iiiii('lii'<i (if lliii iicfriiiiiliiB, 
I. Kiili'i'iil liKiinii' of Ui« |iyriiiiililiil Imily 
M Vlcdliiii liii'iiiiii' (if lliii pyiiiiiildiil ))(((|y, 

</, 'l. KlliroiiK (.liciilli «f iiiildii (if llic lw(( liriKiclica (if llic (ii'ilnniliiR 
ll llrnTif'licK (if )lic|icrf((riilii'< iHtni'tiiiK tli ciiisclvcn Idwiicdllicir |i(il(i( 
iif liiscrliiiii III. Ilic aridiid jiIimIiiiuk 

T, 'Clllddll Iif llli lnlfiiKllll-; 

'(" 'IVmloll (if lll(( |il'(f<)l'lll|i: (it lln jKiMlllill l(('(tV('(((l III" liriKK l(C< (if 

lli(( |i((ff(frHliii. 
V, Hlr«((KlJi<!n)ii« (.licnili i,r Uki j.liiiidic ii|i(»;i«iir(i«lft, 
X, l.iiicMil liiiiidii of ilin «tr«(i;{(li»'(ili((( kImiiiIIi of llin plniitiir nii'iiinii' 

f(i-:!'t, wlilcli <T(H<« tli(( dlrccOoK lit llic hrnwhi'n of Urn fmrtn- 

nillH to KO mill (llllicti (licMiMdvcn o(l Ijh 1m(<i((i| jiWiU of lli«i 
rtml jiliwIiMi'., 




PLATE VII. 



PLATE Vn. 

This ])l,itc sliov\s a lonj^itiidiiial section of tin- dii^ital re- 
gion in its median plane. 

Its object is to sliow the spon.Ljeous sujjstance in tile in- 
terior of the hone, thi- fihrous intersections in the ])lanlar 
cnshion of the aiticnlar and tendinous S)'iK)vial sheaths, and 
of the plantar cushion Tor padj in the interior of the hoof 
under the third phalanx and the na\'icu!ar bone. 

A, IiifiTior part r,f IIk^ pud CciisIim,!] ). 

H. LitrartKfnloilH Imnils (lihirjiriil-) rc|iri-Mciilirif; llii- si rNiliiri- nf iln' 
fllirouM l)od_v foriniiiji tln' iihiiiliir |p:hI 

0. KnvclopiiiK )il)roiiH niernlinun- nf llic- phuiliu- pml. 

I). 7'oirit of iiiHcrtioTi (if tlic pluiitiu piul P. Wu: iiilcrior fucr of llw 

Ikjiic of the, foot. 
K. Hpongi-oiis Kiilisliuwi^ of tlic iiilcrior of Uii: M-concI phuhiii.x. 
F. ArticiiliilioM of the lir'.t plmliinx willi IIh- .sceornl, 
H, liriuirlicH of llif p.Tforiiliis 111 ilM insertion to lln- liiti-r;il parts of 

till' «ccoM(l piiiiiiiiix. or NMiiill pitstcrn lioiir, 

1. IiiHortioii of tin; phiutiir .ipoiuviroHiM to tli(' sciiii luiiiir crc-.t, 
K. Iiil<Tior of the lirst, pliuhuix 

L. Heclioii of till! perforatiis tendon. 

M. TranHver.'K' ligament of tlie yellow tiliroiis tissue iinitini.' the iin 

lerior fiiee of the perforiiiiM to llie |ioslerior fuee of the os 

eoroniie, eti-. (2i\ phuliinx). 
N. Diverticuluni of the HJieatli of the artieiilalioii of the foot between 

the little Hesaniold and tlie third |ihulitnx. 
O. Litlh; He.sanioidal «healh. 
P. Capsule of the artieiilalion of the fool hi'I Hiiperiorly aj^ainst the 

cut du mic of the jjreat xesainoidal nheath. 
T. Pcrforans tendon. 
Y. Metaearpo phaluiii(iiil :irtieid!ition, or felloeU joint. 




PLATE YiU, 



PLATE Vm 



This ])latc i'c])rfsci)ts a Iransvccsc .icction ol' llu- ])(isi(,:- 
rior part of the font Ixhind the ])lihin,t,rcs, between the tvvu 
fibro-cartihi^res. 

It shows the disposition of th(..' bulbs of tlie plantar ])a(l, 
or cusliion, the stratified layers of the ])\raini(ial body, tin- 
hi^dit of the cartilas^^es of tin,- hoof, and {]u: direction of the 
bars. 

i:. !'.ijll> nl IIh' iihinnu |.:ii| (or rijsliioii ). 

V. InnTii:il t'-.ur nl' Mm- lil.r<i-<-iirlila<;cs. <ir hilcriil c-mliliigcs. 

C Ili^'lll nf Hie IliM.r 

I). I'iirl (pf IIm- hm-nil l>:nirl i,l llic rein lorciri-j -IhmiIi cf IIm- |HTl'oriiris. 

K. I'oiiil, of juiiclioi] of IIm' inrcrinr liiiiili-]' ..I' llu- iinliliiL'i-s with 

tin: Milisl; r mT llw |,l:iiit:ir' |i.-iil' nr . ll^l,illrJ. 

F. l.i)iiKiliiiliii;iI .|i-|irc>sion ol llic ;inn-rior- I'lici- of |l,i- |,l;irinir piul. 

(i. Stnitilicil liiycrs of tin- pliinnn- \,:ul in llic |iw-;iiiiiilMl |p..ily. 

Z. Su|>(^ri()r Hiirfiu-c of llic Iimi-, 

Y. Tliii-kiicss :iiii| .lircclioii of ilic l,„r-.. 



r" 



a ' ,>-rt !/> V^J- 




PLilTE IX. 



FL1.TE IX. 

Arterial Vessels. 

The figure shows the superficial disposition of the dig- 
ital artery on the lateral face of the phalanges. 

A. A'. A". Digital artery from its emerging point aboie the great scs^ 
iiraoids to tbe point where it disappears under the plate of 
cartilages in X. 
B^ Anterior transverse branch at tl:B lat-lacarpo-phalaugial articula- 
tion. 
(.'. Perpendioilar artery. 
I). Ascending branch of the perpendieular artery. 

E. Descending branch of the perpendicular artery. 

F. Transverse branch formini; with the corresponding one the su- 

perficial coronary circli'. 
f. Descending ramuscules in tlie \y,id of the superficial coronary circle, 
f. Ascendinir ramuscules of the podopliyllous tissue, or sensitive 

lamina;. 

G. Posterior transverse branches of t'le nietacarpo-phalangial articu- 

lation. 

K. Artery of tlie ]ilantar pad. or cn>hiou. 

P. Circumflex artery. 

r, U. Ascending terminal divisions of the diirital artery: they emerge 
from the porosities of the tliird phalanx, and send ramifica- 
tions to the iiodophyllous tissue. 




m 



'%;--/^'4:"it!''^ii 




PLATE X. 



PLATE X. 

Arlorlal VckxcIh. 

The fii^urc represents tlu: superficial dispositi<in of the 
tiic,Mtal arler\- at the superior face of the; fi.'st two piiahmycs 
and at tlie inferior face of the tliird. 

A, A'. Din'ital iirlcry in ?'.:■, passiiiic almii; Ihc ]ilialiiiii,'(,'s. 

a. Postcriiir Iraiisvi-i-si' liranchits of \hi; luctac arpo phalaniiial artic- 

ulalinii. 
II, liraiiclH'S ;\\ui\'t- cmi: aiinlliri' al inliTvals. 
K. Arlciy nf tlii' jilantar ]ia(l. or (ai>hiciii. 
L. Iiilcnial liraiicl] ..I' llic aiti'i-.v "f tlic jilaiilar pad. 

P. I', P. ('ire Ilc\ artery. 

Y. Y. Siilar arlrrir-i, or arlci-ics of plantar siirfai-c. 




PLATE XI. 



PLATE XI. 



Arterial VeMHClN. 

The figure shows the deep clispositinn of llic di.L^ital ar- 
tfi'y at the posterior face of tlie first two phalant^es, and in llic 
interior of tlie tliird seen fi'imi its inferior face. 

A, A . l>ii;ilal iirliTV. 

C. l'ii-|icii(liculin' ;ntcry lit ils imiiil ol' orij^iii. 

H. One o!' Ilir linuii lifs nmning posteriorlj', (Icslincrl lo tin; ]ii'r- 

loraii-i liiuloii, in which it rainififs itself. 
.1. I>(c|i jellied ImilHll. 

1\. I'diiil cif nriuiii nl' tlic artery nf the jilanlar ]iail. 
M. I>ri-|i transverse liraiieli, i(iiTi|iletiiiL; liehind Ihi^ front snperticiiil 

S. J'liiiiliir artery or ]iosleiiiii- liiminal lirancli, in llie phmlar li^sure, 
and in the semi Iniiar sinus, wliere it forms witli ils anah)L'iie the 
srmi-lnnar anastomosis. 

V. V. llfidiated divisions of the diirital artery emanating from the con- 
vexity of tli<' semi hmar anastomosis, and following the direction 
of the descendiiiL:' canals of the tliird phalanx to go and con- 
tribute lo the formation of the circumllex artery at the exterior 
circ\ini fere nee of the iioIcIkmI bolder of the bone. 




LATE Xn. 



PLATE XII. 

'I'liis fii^iirc ii'|)rcsi'iUs till- piincipli- nerves of the tli^it;il 
region. 

'I'lii.- pl.mtar nerve oCLUpies the s.irni.; sitii.itii)ii, hut llic 
<li\'isi()ns uliitli <ii).in:iti- frnni it are niDre niinii-iMiis anil rnori 
anaslnniut ie. 



I', l'l:,nl:,r M.TVC. 

A. rniiil ill' iMiicTKi'iii'- "I' ""■ lil.iMlar in-rvc iihnvo tlio pitisiiiiiiiids. 

1!, il. (';irtiliii;iiii)U« lirinirli. 

(', (', Culiiiii'iiiis liiMrirh. 

1), I)i(.'il;il arti-iv. 

I'". HiilliDiis hriiii.li. 

'1. TraDHVcrsc l)ruiii'li hi-liiinl tin- MiiMiiiai|iii |ilmlaiif^ial ailiiiilaliiiii. 

I. X(MV« of tlin plantar jiail. 

I. j.aliTNJ I. anil, or lilariicllU.iis 'slay, I'l' Hn- Jiroper tunii! nl' llir 
|iiaiilar |iai|, Il rro'^'ii-'i i)lilii|Ui'l y fniiii liiii'k Wiiri! forwanl, anil 
Iniiii iiiiwanl ilnwnwanl, lln- ilijcrljiiri of llii- |ilaiitar niTvi-. 

V. l)ii,'llal vi-in. 



PLATE XIII, 



This figure represents on the digital region, seen from 
three-fourths bchir.d, the disiiosition of the pLmtar ner\-e on 
the posterior face nf tjie jihahmgcs of the terminal divisions 
in the interior of the bone of the foot. 

P. PhUltiU- IHM-VC. 

A. Point of uaic'LTencc of thu planter uerve above the sesamoids. 

B. Cartilaginous liranih. 

C. Cutaneous brancli. 

D. Digital artery. 

H. Occasional divison destined li> the cartilagiaoi:.. bulb.':. 

I, I. Braueli of th'j p'.antar pa.l. 

K. Transverse coronary branch. 

M. Podophyllous division. 

O. Pre-plantar nerve. 

Q. Descendin;,^ 1 :anch in t!ie patilolie fissure. 

R. Arterial rarauseules accompanying the diirital artery in the plan- 
tar lissure. 

V. Vein following so:netimes behind tao plantar nerve ia a'.l its 
phalangial course. This vessel does I'.ot always e.\ist. 




PLATE Xl¥. 



PLATE XIV. 

The object of this figure is to sliow the disposition of 
the capillary vessels in the tegument of the digital region seen 
sidewise. 

A. A. Arterial vessels of llie skin. 

B. B'. Arterial vessels oC the coronary band, or cushion. 

R. Villosities of the coronarj' cushion. This vessel does not ahv.iys 
exisl. 

This figure represents the principal perioplic bourrelet, 
the coronary groove and the podophyllous tissue or sensitive 
lamina;. 

A, B. Priucqial corona' (or cntidura; with tin- villosities cov:M'inii' it. 

C. Superior liordcr of the coronary cushion. 

D. Perioplic coronary groove. 

B. Perioplic (pad) covered with little horny substance. 
F. Inferior border of the cushion. 

C4. Podophyllous tissue, or sensitive huniu;e. 

II. Villosities of the inferior extremity of the podophyllous laniiute. 

E. Arterial vessels. 

K. Small arterial branches. 



PLATE XV. 

This fii;iii'c I'cprcsL'nts tlu- supi-rior face i>f tlic lloor 
of llu- liiKif, foniu-il 1))- llu.' SdK- .iiul llu: froi;. 'I'lic wall lias 
been cut at llu- level of tiio sole, in older lo show the tei- 
miiKitlon of the hofn\- lea\es in llu: e(.Ii;e, or border of the 



A. Circular (liniliil i^vily al tlic |i.ii?il i<( rciiiii.Mi of lln' s..Ii- ami llir 

wall. 

]i. SiiiHTidi- iM.rdc'i- dl' till' I'nii,'. 

{'. TiTiTiiriali.in nf llir Imniy Icavi'S in tin' <mI;;v of llii- snl.;. 

1). Cavilv luniicd liy Ihr sn|icii(ii- i:ivv (if llic frc^. 

K. Ui(l-c nf llif Iro-. (ir fniy stay. 

y. CroDVc nf 111.' sii|MTi.ir facr of Ihi' I'roi.;. 

(J. Kxlcni.'il la.c i.r 111,, oloiiirs ,,r 111,. Ini^'. 

N. Kcnipliylliiiis lissii.. .at \hr iiili'iii.al la,',' nl' 111,. liai'-i. 

(). (UnigCTal cavity al, lli,' l,'V,'l nl' Hi,' aii-Ii's iif iMlli',-li.,ii, 

X. HottOMi 111' llic aiiL^l,' ,11' iiill,', '11,111. 

Y. l',iinl of liTiiiiiia.li,iii ,,1' llic liai's al 111,' lalcral ii.'irls ,,!' Ilii' fr,iM-, 



PLATE XYI. 

View of the hoof from its inferior face. 

P. The wall. 

S. The sole. 

L. The frog. 

A. Line indicating the commis^sure of the sole and tlie wall, known 

as the linea alba, or white line. 

B. Angle of inflection ot wall of the heels (buttress). 

C. Superior border of buttres.s. 

D. Region of the heels of tin- foot within the angle known as seat 

of corn-. 

E. Inferior border of the bars. 

F. External face of the bars lining ih.' lateral lacunie of the frog. 

G. Glomes of the frog, or bnlbs of the heels. 

H, Terminal extremity <if the bars at the sides of the frog 

I. Point of the frog. 

K. Branches of the frog. 

M. Regions of the mamelhis of the hoof. 

P. Region of the toe of tlie lioof. 

. Q. Median lacuna of the frog. 

U. Region of the quarters. 



DIS-E^ASE^S 



^Sw3Sri3 THEII^ TISE^S^TZvEElNrT- 



Chapter XXI. 



THE CIRCULATION. 

THE phenomenon of the circulation is of so interesting and re- 
markable a character, and its condition has such an influence 
upon the health, that I think it advisable, as an introduction to 
the Medical Department, to make some reference to it. There are 
so many diseases and difficulties of a serious character which are the 
result of derangements of circulation, that it certainly seems neces- 
sary to give some explanation of it, that the reader may be im- 
pressed the better with the necessity for such prudence and care as 
would prevent its disturbance. The writer thinks it also advisable, 
instead of giving a labored description, which may be easily ob- 
tained from any physiology, and which but few would take the 
trouble to read, to do this mainly by the aid of illustrations, a va- 
riety of which have been included at considerable expense. 

General Plan of the Circulation. 

The blood is circulated through the body for the purpose of nu- 
trition and secretion, by meahs of one forcing-pump ; and through 
the lungs, for its proper aeration, by another ; the two being united 
to form the heart. This organ is therefore a compound machine, 
though the two pumps are joined together, so as to appear to the 
casual observer to be one single organ. In common language, the 
heart of the mammalia is said to have two sides, each of which is a 
forcing-pump ; but the blood, before it passes from one side to the 
other, has to circulate through one or the other set of vessels found 
in the general organs of the body or in the lungs, as the case may. 
be. This is shown at Fig. 692, where the blood, commencing- 
with the capillaries on the general surface, passes through the 
26 l*"') 



402 



THE CIRCULATION. 



veins which finally end in the vena cava b, and enters the 
right auricle c. From this it is pumped into the right ven- 
tricle d, which, contracting in its turn, forces it on into the pul- 
monary artery e, spreading out upon the lining membrane of the 




Fig. 691. — Theoretical Plan of the Circulatory System. 

H, D, C, E, the canal for red blood; E, B, A, G, canal for 
blue blood. The arrows indicate the course of the blood. The 
two canals are represented in their middle portion, A, B, C, D, 
as isolated; but in nature they are enveloped at this point in a 
common sac that concurs to form the heart. 

lungs, to form the capillaries of that organ at 
y, from which it is returned to the left auricle, 
g through the pulmonary veins. From the left 
auricle it is driven on through the left ven- 
tricle ; and this, by its powerful contraction, 
forces the blood through the aorta /, and the 
arteries of the whole body to the capillaries a, 
from which the description commenced. 

While the venous blood is on its way to the 
heart, when near it, it is met by the tho- 
racic duct (see ;^,j', Fig. 694J, which conveys 
into this returning blood the nutritive prop- 
erty of the food extracted from it by the 
digestive organs. With this new supply of nutritious matter, the 
blood goes to the heart and lungs to be oxygenized by contact 
with the air, and thus be continued through the heart and arteries 
as before explained. The system takes up its material for its wear 
and tear through the capillaries or hair-like tubes, which are inter- 
posed between the two great divisions of the vascular system, ar- 
teries and veins. These little tubes are so small that they are 
from lo'oo to 4 0^0 of an inch in diameter. The smaller are found 
in the retina of the eye and brain, the larger in the liver and 




Fig. 692.— Plan of the 
Circulation. 



TUB CIRCULATION. 



403 



lungs. The worn-out tissue of the body is also taken up by the 
blood, and carried off through the bowels, lungs, kidneys, and skin, 
which are the natural sewers or depurative channels of the body. 
The quantity of blood that a horse contains is about ,V of his weight. 




Fig. 693. — Distribution of the Anterior Aorta. 

1. Anterior aorta; 3. Left axillary arterj-; 3. Right axillary artery; 4. Dorsal artery ; .5. 
Subcostal artery; 13. External thoracic artery; 14. Carotid artery; 17. Posterior aorta. A, 
pulmonary aorta; B, trachea; E, superior branch of the iliospinal muscle; F, inferior branch 
of the same; G, great coiiiplexus muscle; I, I, originating aponeurosis of the splenius and 
the small anterior serratus muscles; N, sterno-maxillaris muscle; O, P, great pectoral and 
sterno-prescapularis muscles turned downward. 

A horse weighing 1,000 pounds would therefore have about 100 
pounds of blood, or nearly 50 quarts. Fat horses have proportion- 
ately less blood than those that are lean ; and it is claimed that 
wild animals generally have more blood in proportion than the 
domestic ones. Forty pounds of blood have been taken from 
medium-sized horses without serious injury ; and it requires the 
extraction of about Vs of the total weight before life is destroyed. 
It is a remarkable fact that this large amount of blood in the body 
makes its entire round of circulation in the short period of from two 



404 



THE CIRCULATIOX. 



to three minutes. This has been proved by the following experi- 
ment, which has been made and repeated many times at the 
Columbia Veterinary College, New York : The jugular vein was 
opened on oneside ofthe neck, into which saline matter or poison was 
injected ; on the opposite side the carotid artery was tapped. In fif- 
teen seconds the first traces of the substance injected could be detect- 



^N-^ ' '-'s^- 




Fig. 694. — The Heart and Principal Vessels ; Left Face. 

a, Right ventricle; b, Left ventricle; c, Right auricle; d, Left auricle; e, Pulmonary 
artery; f, Pulmonary veins; g, Anterior aorta; h, Left a.xillary artery; i, Right axillary 
artery, or brachio-cephalic trunli; p, Carotid arteries; q, Posterior aorta; x, Vena azygos; 
y, Thoracic ducts ; z, Embouchure of that vessel, placed near the origin of the anterior vena 
cava. 

ed in the blood ; in twenty seconds it was found very plainly. But 
while it is known that the main body of blood makes the shorter 
pulmonary circuit, that part going to the extremities most distant 
from the heart requires much longer time ; but it is assumed that all 
the blood in the body makes its entire circuit in the short period of 
from two to three minutes. 

I refer to this fact, which is not familiar to the average reader, 
to show the great importance of not subjecting the horse to such in- 



THE CIRCULATION. 



405 



fluences as will derange the circulatory system. The remarkable en- 
ergy of the circulation through the blood-vessels is very finely illus- 
trated by spreading and tying apart the toes of a frog's foot, and ex- 
amining the web through a good microscope. The field of observa- 
tion will appear like an immense plain cut 
up with large rivers intersected by numer- 
ous small streams, all running with the 
rapidity of a torrent, the larger currents 
running much the faster. The blood-cor- 
puscles are also clearly distinguishable. 
Something of an idea of this can be seen 
by referring to Figs. 696 and 697, which 




represent such a view of the circulation through the web. 

When the circulation is in its natural state, that is, distributed 
properly to all parts of the body, it implies a state of perfect health, 
but if from any cause, it is withheld or forced from any part of the 



406 



THE CIRC ULA TIOX. 



^te^ 



body, there is not enough blood in that part, while there will be an 
excess in other parts. Thus, if the horse is exposed to a cold wind or 
is chilled by a current of air striking the body, the blood will be 
forced from its surface to the internal organs, accumulating where 
there is most freedom for it, or where it is weakest ; usually in the 
lungs and surrounding parts, kidneys, bowels, and sometimes in the 
feet, the first indication of which would be a shivering fit, followed 
5 _ . by fever. Now, it is ev- 



ident that the object 
should be, when there is 
such disturbance, to 
equalize the circulation 
again, or force it back to 
its natural channels as 
quickly as possible, and 
that treatment by which 
this can be done most 
easily and quickly will 
be the best. The cir- 
culation is really con- 
trolled by the nervous 
system. If the nervous 
system is from any cause 
weakened, so that it is 
unable to act with the 




\.,^^ 



Fig. 696.— Web of Frog's Fool Stretching between Two 

Toes, Showing the Blood-vessels and their 

Anastomoses. 



a, a, Veius; b, b, b, Arteries, the eapillaries being usual vio'Or there is leSS 
between. ^ ' . 

ability to resist the in- 
fluence of disturbing changes, and the horse is, as it is termed, more 
liable to take cold, which means a disturbance of the circulation. 

Hence a horse, when warm and exhausted after a drive, if given 
a little too much cold water, would be liable to have colic, founder, 
etc. ; or if allowed to stand in a cold current of air, to have an at- 
tack of pneumonia, or some other indication of vascular disturbance 
before referred to, which would be scarcely felt if cool, and the nerv- 
ous system in»a vigorous condition. 

It is evident also that the quality of blood being dependent upon 
the food taken, and the condition of th^ air breathed, it is necessary 
that the food should be clean and of good quality. No moldy grain, 
hay, or other food unfitted for proper nutrition, should be given, and 
the stable should be well ventilated with pure air at all times, and 
all poisonous gases, particularly the ammonia which is formed from 
the urine, should be allowed free egress from the stable, as the animal 



TlfE CIRCULATION. 



407 



cannot be expected to keep in good health while compelled to in- 
hale such malaria. 

It is needless to explain the bad effects upon the depurative or- 
gans of the derangement of the circulation by which these channels 
are to a greater or less degree " clogged," or unable to d<j their 
proper work. 

Now, it is within the province of every owner to prevent these 
troubles by employing care in feeding, exercise, etc., which is 
much better and easier than to try to cure them when sick. It is 
far easier to prevent a house from getting burned up by not letting 
the fire get started, than to depend upon the power of putting it out, 
for with the best of energy it may cause a destruction of the build- 
ing. So in the cure of diseases ; it is a great deal better and safer to 




Fro. B07. 



-Irregular Contraction of Small Vessels in the Web of a Frog's Foot 
after the Application of Stimuli. 



take such measures as will prevent them, for derangements once 
started will often, in spite of the best of treatment, greatly injure, if 
not destroy, the animal. It is certainly the owner's duty to guard his 
horse against unnecessary exposure, or merciless driving until in a 
profuse perspiration, and then leaving the animal in some cold, 
bleak place without even a blanket, or but a very poor apology for 
one, and that thrown on carelessly, while the owner is perhaps en- 
joying himself with his friends in some drinking saloon, toasting his 
shins, and the poor horse stands shivering at the door. The effect 
of such bad treatment will not then have time to develop itself, but 
will be seen in a few hours, or at farthest on the following day, by a 
cold or cough, running at the nose, or an attack of pneumonia, 1am- 
initis, or other cause of trouble. 

The three principal points in preserving the health of a horse 



40« 



rilE CIRCULATION. 




are feeding, air, and exercise. In the first place, irregularity of feed- 
ing, even of the best of food, will produce disease ; but when with 
this is copibined the giving of tainted or musty hay or grain, the 
difficulty is greatly aggravated. 

^ Ventilation. — The stable should be neither 

. too hot nor too cold. The horse will show 

the effect in a few days by coughing or 
having slight irritation of the mucous mem- 
brane of the throat. 

A horse can take cold as easily by going 
out of the cold air into a hot stable, as he 
can by going from a hot stable into cold air, 
and vice versa. It is the sudden change of 
temperature which produces the change on 
the mucous coat of the larxnx and of the 
throat. 

The clothing of the horse in the stable 
should be neither too heavy nor too light. 
If kept too warm, he will be more likely to 
take cold when he goes out to exercise on a 
cold or chilly day. 

To keep a horse doing well, constant at- 
tention is necessary to little things — watch- 
fulness in driving ; if the road is heavy, and 
the horse shows fatigue or is warming up 
excessively, hold him up and let out on 
smooth, descending pieces of road — a very 
little driving without regard to this pru- 
dence will often get a horse "off his feed," 
if not cause sickness ; properly clothing and 
protecting a horse when warm after a drive ; 
care not to give so much cold water as to 
chill ; if there is chill or inclination to fever, 
or the horse is " off his feed " after a drive, 
giving a little fever medicine, with any other 
prompt measures to relieve the derangement 
at its commencement, may prevent a very severe attack of con- 
gestion or inflammation, if not save the life of the horse. It is 
in attention to these little things that the real key of the owner's 
success lies in' the care of his horses. 

The simplest and best methods of treatment for all the ordinary 
causes of sickness and lameness will be found on the following pages. 




Fig. 698.— Sweat Gland, Mag- 
nified 40 Diameters. 

1), b, Caual; c, Glanil; il, 
Opening on surface; e, Per- 
forated epidermis. 



THE CIRCULATION. 



A\}0)- 




I would add in this connection that there are really but few 
diseases which are very dangerous or common to horses, and if the 

owner can be so aided 
as to successfully man- 
age these difficulties,, 
such knowledge must 
be invaluable to him. 
These difficulties com- 
prise colic, inflamma- 
tion of the lungs, found- 
er, nav icu lar-join t 
lameness, and shoeing. 
A horse may die in a 
few, hours from a severe 
attack of colic, if not 
promptly treated ; }'et 
it is a difficulty easily 
managed, if one knows. 
what to do, and it is 
done promptly. An 
attack of pneumonia 
is a very serious, 
thing ; but during its 
first stages it is easily controlled if taken in hand at once. A horse 
that \s foundered, if not treated promptly, is practically ruined, as a 
change of structure quickl)- result-; ; \ct every ca^c of acute founder 
or laminitis is curable, 
and not only this, but 
the treatment is so sim- 
ple that it is not at all 
difficult to comprehend 
or apply. In shoeing, a 
horse badly or improp- 
erly shod, no matter 
how good the feet, if 
the hoofs are thin, is 
liable to be soon prac- 
tically ruined. 

The treatment for 
these difficulties will be 
found to be particularly 
careful and thorough. There are, of course, many other difficulties. 



Fig. 699.— Horizontal Section Ttirough llie Middle Plane 

of Three Peyerian Glands, Showing the Distribution 

of the Blood-vessels in their Interior. 




Flu. 700. — Section of the Liver of a Rabbit, with the 
Hepatic or Introlobular Veins Injected. 



410 



THE CIRCULATIOX. 



which it is important to know how to manage, for which the 
best practical treatment is given. In fact, the medical department 
of this work will be found entitled to the fullest confidence, and must 




be accepted as invaluable to horse owners. The writer would, how- 
ever, recommend that in all critical cases the safest course is to em- 
ploy a competent veterinary surgeon, if available. 



Chapter XXII. 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 

^T^HE skeleton of a horse is made up of 242 bones ; and as these 
I bones are the hard frame-work of the animal body, serving for 
■^ the support and attachment of the softer textures and the pro- 
tection of delicate organs, they are consequently liable to the same 
accidents and diseases as the other parts of the body. They are 
composed of animal and earthy matters, in the proportion of one 
third of the former to two thirds of the latter. They are covered 
externally by a sensitive and vascular membrane called the perios- 
teum, and lined internally by a similar membrane called the en- 
dosteum- They enter into the formation of the joints, their ends 
being held together by the ligaments, and their adjoining surfaces 
being covered by cartilage or gristle, with a lubricating fluid be- 
tween, called synovia, or joint-oil, to prevent"friction and facilitate 
the motion of the joint. 

Diseases of the bones are not very numerous in the lower ani- 
mals ; the most common are Exostosis, in which we have an en- 
largement or bony tumor thrown out on the surface of the bone ; 
when between two bones, and uniting them together, it is called 
Anchylosis Caries, generally defined to be an ulceration or disinte- 
gration of the bony texture ; Necrosis, which is the entire death of 
the whole or part of a bone ; Osteosarcoma, which is a disease more 
particularly of the ox tribe, in which we have a tumor on the bone, 
partly bony and partly fleshy, occurring commonly on jaws or ribs'; 
and Encliondroma, consisting of a cartilaginous or gristly tumor on 
a bone ; it is more common in man, but is also seen in cattle, and 
occasionally in the horse. 

AXCHYLOSI.S OF BOXE. 

Anchylosis is simply extensive exostosis, in which we have the 
ends of two or more bones united by bony matter, as shown in ring- 
bone, spavin, splint, etc. 

Symptoms are enlargements round the joint, which is stiff and 
inflexible, and in some cases the animal is lame. 

Treatment. — If there is lameness, blister or fire, as may be 

f411) 



412 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



thought necessary, so as to complete the union of parts. The mo- 
tion of the joint cannot be restored by any treatment. 

Caries of Bone. 
Caries is generally defined to be ulceration or disintegration of 





the bony texture, and is supposed to be 
ulceration of the soft tissues ; but this is 
not, histologically speaking, correct. We 
find in caries the bone undergoes several 
very marked changes. It decreases in 
density (owing to the decrease in the pro- 
portion of organic matter entering into 
its composition), and presents a peculiar^ 
worm-eaten appearance, which enables us always to recognize a 
carious bone in the dried state. (See specimens in chapters on " Na- 
vicular-Joint Lameness" and " Laminitis.") 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 



413 




Splint ; 

arg e n 

caused by injury. 



Causes. — It may arise from whatever produces inflammation 
of the bone, or arrests or suspends its nourishment. It is a frequent 
sequel of fracture in the ribs, sometimes from neg- 
lect or mismanagement of poll-evil, or fistula of the 
withers ; in cattle, sometimes from "foul of the foot." 
Whatever destroys the periosteum may produce 
caries. 

Syinptouis. — The surrounding tissues are swollen ; 
there is an opening into the diseased bone, from 
which acrid, bad-smelling matter discharges, in which 
float speculae of disintegrated bone. On examining 
the bone, it presents a fungus, which readily bleeds 
when touched ; on pressing the finger into it, sharp 
processes of bone are felt, which are the bone break- 
ing up. The bone is easily punctured with a probe Eniargemcnt.s 

!= 1 -^ ' I paused hv iniurv. 

-or knife. 

Treatvicnt. — This, in most cases, is a very tedious affair. In the 

first place, the wound must be 
freely opened, and the parts 
touched with dilute hydro- 
chloric acid several times a 
day. Mineral and vegetable 
tonics must be given. When 
practicable, as on the withers, 
the diseased portion should be 
cut off with a fine saw. Occur- 
ring in a joint, we must en- 
deavor to produce anchylosis 
/ yi of the joint, the treatment of 

'" which has been explained as 

for spavins, etc. 

Necrosis of Bone. 

Necrosis is generally de- 
fined to be the entire death 
or mortification of a bone. It 
differs from caries, in which 
the bone is discharged in particles, whereas in necrosis not unfre- 
quently the whole bone dies, and becomes encased in a new bone of 
exactly the same shape, which is perforated by numerous holes, 
through which the old bone exfoliates. 

Causes. — In man it not unfrequently arises from constitutional 




Fig. 704.— Splint, and 
Small Wind-gall. 



Fig. 70.5.— a Splint 
after Cure. 



414 



DISEASES AX J) Til El I! TItEATMENT. 



causes, — scrofula, etc. ; but in the lower animals it generally arises 
from local causes, mechanical injuries, extensive destruction of the 
surrounding soft parts, especially if it involves the artery supplying 
nourishment to the bono. In young thoroughbred horses, we are 
familiar with it from sore shins, which 
arises from the animal being jjut in 
training too young. The concussion 
s< ts ii|) inflammation of the [jcriosteum, 
which may be followed by caries, but 
more commonly necrosis of the cannon 

bc)MC. 

Syiiip/oii/s. - The external appearances 
do not differ very materially from caries. 
We have sinuses penetrating bone, from 
which there is a copious discharge of 
most offensive-smelling matter, in which 
are occasionally discharged pieces of 
deail bone which have escaped through 
the holes in the new bone. This is 
called the process of exfoliation. It is 
easily distinguished from caries by the 
surface of the bone not being worm- 
eaten, but smooth, and penetrated by 
numerous holes. Again, it is not soft, 
as in caries ; it cannot be punctured with 
the probe, and it is as heavy as in health, 
if not heavier. 

'J'n'atiiicnl. — It must be treated on' the 
same principle as caries. The sinuses 
must be kept open, frequently washed 
out, and some stiuiulant injected, as hydrochloric acid (diluted), 
and tonics, and good food must be given from the first. 

ICxosTosi.s, OR Bony Enlargement. 

ICxostosis is, in general, the consequence of periostitis, or in- 
flammation (jf the vascular membrane covering the bone, though it 
doubtless also arises from other causes. It sometimes comes on 
without having attracted the least attention, or produced the least 
apparent disturbance to the animal, and may appear on any bone in 
the body, or on any part of a bone, sometimes so small as to escape 
observation altogether, and sometimes very large. It may be 
caused by external injury, or it may be the result of constitutional 




Fi( 



TOO. — Back Inside View ol 
the Bones ol the Hock. 



II, 'I'llila; I), Oh cuIcIr ; c, AHtrnKu- 
Iuh; il, Cuboldt'H; c, Navicular; f, 
OuttT cundforin; g, Mlddhi ciiiiol- 
form; li, Spllut; I, Ciiiinon, or eliaiik. 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 



415 



disturbance, more commonly the former. Its nature, causes, symp- 
toms, and treatment will be better understood by taking the most 
common example of splint, spavin, and ring-bone. 

Si'LINT, OK Si'I.KNT. 

Splint is a hard, bony tumor occurring 
on the inside of the shank or cannon- 
bone of the fore leg, usually well up near 
the knee, which is well represented by 
Fig. 704. It is situated partly on the 
splint-bone (from which it takes its 
name), and partly on the cannon. 
Young horses are most subject to 
splints. The ijcriosteuni in ihrni bt-ing 
more vascular than in old animals, it is 
more liable to inflammation, which is 
very readily induced in the unsolidified 
bones of the young horse when exposed 
to concussion or external violence. It 
occurs on the inside, because the center 
of gravity falls through that part ; when 
there is splint or enlargement on the 
outside, it is usually caused by an injury. 
Sometimes the opposite foot striking the 
part will cause so much inflammation as 
to produce considerable soreness and 
lameness, followed by thickening and 
enlargement of the part. 

Sytnptonis. — At the start there may be 
no enlargement, nor anything to indicate 
the seat of trouble. The horse appears 
all right on a walk or on soft ground ; 
but if moving rapidly on a hard road, 
and especially down hill, considerable 
lameness will be shown. Running the 
fingers along the edge of the bone from 
the knee down, and pressing with the 
ends of the fingers, inflammation or en- 
largement will soon be discovered, bf)th by heat and tenderness, 
and in time by enlargement. 

Treatment. — If the inflammation is up near the joint, it will 
usually be more serious, and cause more lameness ; but as a general 




Vw. 707. — Bones ot Leg and Foot. 



410 



DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMEXT. 



thing, splints require but very little treatment, and in time will get 
■well of themselves if let alone. During the acute stage, treat simply 

with cooling applications. 
Cold water turned for 
some time from a pump 
or by other means of let- 
ting a steady stream 
strike the part, which 
should be continued for 
at least fifteen minutes, 
and repeated two or three 
times a day, would be 
best. If this is not done, 
then tie several thick- 
nesses of cloth around 
the part, and keep wet ; 
but this will not be so 
good as the first method. 
The following is a favor- 
ite remed\' for an\- local 
inflammation : — 





Fig. T08.— Union of All the 
Bones of the Hock with- 
out Enlargement. 



Fig 709— The Same, 

with Excessive Bony 

Enlargement. 



Muriate of ammonia...... 2 dr. 

Vinegar 2 oz. 

Water 2 oz. 

Spirits of wine 4 oz. 

Mix. 

The simplest and quickest 
"way of relieving the lame- 
ness, and that which is now 
practiced very generally by 
veterinary surgeons, is to cut 
through the periosteum over 
the part. This is done by 
catching up the skin between 
the thumb and finger at the 
lower edge of the splint, and 
with a knife or other instru- 
ment making an incision in it ; 
then pass up under it a 
probe-pointed bistoury, or a 
■common nicking-knife, to the top, and cut down to the bone. The 
part may now be treated as for simple inflammation ; afterward, 




Fig. 710. Fig. 711. 

Showing a Bad Condition of Spavin. 




DISEASES OF THE BOXES. 417 

simply by cooling applications. The usual treatment is, after the 
acute stage has passed off, to clip the hair and blister once or twice. 
Or, a more effectual 

-\vay would be by fir- Jy jfijj y, Jk i //, 

ing, the best way of // Uf' J^'Y ^'/ ltB^<J^ 

doing which is by the /^ sT'l Wflf // 

pyro -puncture pro- fSS!^' 
cess ; but this is sel- 
dom necessary. 

I give several ex- 
cellent remedies for 

splints and ordinary \W /jt_^^J9f WT^/^H^"^^ 

enlargements, either ' ' 

of which may be used ; ^ \\\A ^R 7 Vfc 

also a number under V\\ 5|l\ W T^ 

the head of Special WW \,4 \ 

Remedies, given near 

the close of this book, ^ _,, ,.,.,.„, c>, -, , r, ju ■ 

Fit.. 71-3. —Healthy Hock Fig. .13.— Diseased Hock 

all of which are very Dissected. Dissected. 

good. The following 

is also used with much success : — 

Oil of origanum. 1 oz. 

Oil of turpentine 1 oz. 

Alcohol J oz. 

To be applied night and morning, for a few days at a time. 

Spavin. 

The causes of spavin are numerous — altered bearing, predispo- 
sition from conformation or mal- 
conformation of the limb, but pro- 
ceeding mainly from hard work, 
sprains, or any cause which excites 
inflammation of this part. But the 
most common cause lies in the 

\ breeding of horses, as very often a 
colt is bred from a spavined sire or 
dam, or both, when the colt is sure 

to inherit the same defect. 
Fig. 714. — Action Fig. 715. — Action of f- , ^, ^ ^ 

. „ . , r. J. o • J . SYtnpto7ns. — Ihe nrst symptom 

when Natural. Badly Sprained Leg. ^ r j r 

usually shown in spavin is a stifit 

moving on the toe, which causes a peculiar quick catching up of the 

leg, especially in trotting. This varies according to the amount of 




41S 



DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 



inflammation and its location, from being scarcely noticeable at first, 
and passing off entirely after going a little ways, to severe lameness 
or stiffness of the hock, which greatly improves or disappears when 
warmed up during a sharp drive of a few miles, but appearing much 
worse after such a drive when the blood is again cooled. The hock 
is observed to be less freely used than the other. He is worse on 
the hard road. He limps considerably when he strikes his toe on 
a stone or the ground. If the leg be taken up and the joint forcibly 
extended or flexed, he will limp quite badly. Spavined horses gen- 
erally lose condition, and from the 
pain caused by rising they fre- 
quently stand for a long time. 

If it is the result of a strain, 
causing acute inflammation, the 
lameness will not pass off by ex- 
ercise so readily as it will after it 
becomes chronic. 

An enlargement usually makes 
its appearance from the fifth to the 
sixth week. Any prominence can 
be seen by standing in front of the 
horse about three or four feet from 
the shoulder, and looking back 
across the hock, or by standing 
behind the horse and looking for- 
ward across the hock. 

The effort the horse makes to relieve the heels by walking upon 
the toe, indicates the necessity of removing the shoe, raising the 
heel-calks, hammering down or cutting off the toe-calks, and round- 
ing the toe. 

Care must be taken not to mistake a natural fullness, known as 
"rough hocks ; " and it is always advisable to compare the one hock 
with the other. We frequently have inflammation or spavin unit- 
ing the small bones without the least outward enlargement. Fig. 70S. 
Quite often, before any enlargement appears, the trouble may 
be mistaken for hip lameness. But in this difficulty there is a pe- 
culiar dragging motion, and for want of muscular action the hip is 
sametimes fallen in or wasted, while in spavin the leg is lifted and 
brought forward easily, traveling mostly on the toe, and shows 
marked improvement by exercise. 

Treatment. — If there is heat during the first few days, use cool- 
ing applications, such as an ounce of sugar of lead to half a pail of 





ri6.— A Healthy 
Hock. 



Fig. tit.— a Jack 
Spavin. 




DISEASES OF THE BONES. 410 

ice-water, about two weeks, when the inflammation may pass off. 
A dose of physic may also be given. Or a very simple way, and ac- 
cording to my judgment the best, is to 
throw a strong stream of cold water against '*'to^i'>,l(ii|I|llM^ 
the part for twelve or fifteen minutes, re- lEilS'*.' 
peating two or three times a day as before 
explained. If past the first stage, and the 
case has become chronic, the only reason- 
able treatment is counter-irritation and rest, 
or keeping up sufficient local inflammation, ' ' 

without dissolving or blistering the skin, to 
arouse nature sufficiently to produce anchy- 
losis, or a union of the bones involved. 

There are two methods of treatment for 
this : First, if not very serious, by blistering ; 
second, by what is termed "firing." This is 
done in two ways : First, by burning lines 
over the skin with a feather-edged iron y\o. 718.— Small Spavin, 
sufficiently close and deep to produce an 

extensive external inflammation, but without breaking or destroy- 
ing the skin ; second, by burning small holes into and around the 
diseased parts. On the following page are given a few of the best 
practical remedies. 

Blistering is adapted for only simple 
cases, so that when serious, firing is the 
most reliable and effectual treatment. In 
^^^^V case of either blistering or firing, the hair 

««i, should first be clipped from two to three 
inches above and below the enlargement, 
and out to the middle of the hind and fore 
part of the leg. A favorite remedy used 
by one of the best practitioners in the 
country is prepared and applied as fol- 
lows : — 

Biniodide of mercury 3 dr. 

Iodide of potass -1 dr. 

Iodine in crystals, pulverized li dr. 

Blue ointment (mercurial) 1 oz. 

Lard 1 oz. 

Fig. 719. — Very Large Spavin. 

Mix, and apply to the seat of the spavm 

three days. When the parts become sore, omit the treatment for 

the same length of time ; then apply once in three days for two 

weeks, after which stop all treatment. 




420 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Or either of the following blisters may be used, which arc among 
the very best : — 

Finely powdereti cantharidcs 1 oz. 

Powdered euphorbium ... 2 dr. 

Lard 1 oz. 

Tar 3 oz. 

Mix. This is a very strong blister, and is regarded as very good. 

Another favorite perscription is : — 

Corrosive sublimate 3 dr. 

Lard 1 oz. 

Tar i oz. 

Cantharides 2 dr. 

The following will also be found efificient : — 

Equal parts of binlodide of mercury and cantharides, and three i)arts 
each of tar and lard. 

The blister should be thoroughly rubbed on with the hand about 
ten minutes. Twenty-four hours afterward apply a little vaseline 
or oil, and repeat night and morning until the action subsides. This 
will prevent the skin from cracking, as well as lessen the pain. After 
which, wash with castile soap and warm water. In no case should 
more than one leg be blistered at a time, especially if the horse is 
thin-skinned and sensitive, as it produces serious disturbance and 
fever. A variety of prescriptions for blisters will be found under 
the head of the best remedies used, if it is desired to use blisters ; 
also the most famous secret quack cures will be found under that 
head ; but it is not advisable to use them. 

Firing. 

For firing, put the horse in stocks. If this is not convenient, 
the next best way is to bring a rope around the neck and fasten to 
the well leg ; or still better, buckle a soft strap around the fetlock, 
and from a ring attached to the strap, pass a rope around the neck 
of the horse and draw short enough to raise the foot from the ground. 
Next put on a twitch, with the stick part at least twenty inches 
long ; it should be so arranged as not to hurt the horse until the in- 
stant of touching with the iron, when the head should be thrown up 
a little with a slight jerking motion, to divert his attention from the 
pain of the firing. 

I give two illustrations of the firing part of the iron, reduced in 
size about one third. The larger the iron, the longer it will re- 
tain the heat. The blade should be of steel (of the form given in 
the illustration;, a little more than a quarter of an inch thick at the 



DISEA.^ES OF THE BONES. 



421 




-Feather-edged Firing-iron, 
fourtlis Size. 



Three- 



back, and gradually thinned down to the edge, which should be 
about one sixteenth of an inch in thickness, and nicely rounded. 
The handle may 
be nothing more 
than a straight 
round bar of iron 
from sixteen to 
seventeen inches 
long and turned 
back at the end. 
It is necessary to 
have at least two 
irons, so that 
while one is being 
used, the other 
can be heating. 

It should be heated to a dull red color, and when taken 
from the fire the edge quickly run over a board or plank 
to make it smooth. When the edge is turned dark, draw 
perpendicular lines on the leg, as shown in Fig. T22, from 
top to bottom. They should be about two inches apart 
at the top, and not drawn deeply. Lay the edge where 
desired to start from, and draw steadily and gently to 
the bottom. Then commence at the top and make cross 
lines, obliquely, about half an inch apart. Start the point 
of the iron from the line at the right or left, and draw to- 
ward the center, as shown in Fig. 722. 

The skin should not be penetrated or cut through, as 
it would leave a blemish. The cuticle is simply to be de- 
stroyed, and a dark-brown impression left upon the skin, 
from which there will exude a glutinous substance soon 
after the operation. If the iron is red or too hot, there 
will be great danger of burning through ; though if the 
operator is dextrous he can use it quite safely by drawing j-j^, ^21 
it proportionately light and quick, but the work cannot 
be so well done as with an iron that is of a dull-red color, or quite 
dark at the edge. With such an iron, if the first line is not drawn 
quite deep enough it can be repeated until the right depth upon 
the cuticle is obtained, which will be indicated by its color. If the 
lines are drawn much nearer than half an inch, there will be danger 
of sloughing, while if too far apart there will be proportionately 
less inflammation produced. They should be of a certain dcj^th 



422 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



and distance apart, and crossed as little as possible, to avoid break- 
ing the skin. If this is done neatly, when the healing process 
takes place, the creases formed by the iron will be drawn together, 
the hair grown over, leaving no visible trace of the firing. After 
the operation, the horse should be put in a box-stall. On the 
following day a little grease, vaseline, or oil should be rubbed over 
the part, which will keep it soft and prevent cracking. This may be 
repeated at any time afterward, should it appear too dry. Should 
any of the cracks break and threaten to make a sore, dust on a little 
of the magic healing powder, which will stop it immediately, un- 
less very severe. No bandaging or any such means should be re- 





FiG. 722.— View of Lines as they Should 
be Made with Feather-edged Firing-iron. 



Fig. 723.— Bad (Method of Firing. The 
Lines Cover too Small a Surface. 



sorted to. Simply see that the horse does not bite or rub the parts. 
This method of firing is the one that has been most generally 
used. It is very painful to the horse, and requires considerable 
practice to do it well, although there is no particular sleight or se- 
cret in doing it beyond making the lines cover rather a large surface, 
and as near each other as can safely be done without causing so 
much inflammation as to extend across the division, and blemish by 
breaking or destroying the skin between. The next point is depth 
of the firing. This can be learned reliably only by practice. The 
deeper the firing, the more extensive the inflammation produced, 
though in no case should it be carried deep enough to break the 
skin, as this will surely cause a blemish, while in very slight firing 
there will be proportionately less inflammation, and to that degree 
less effective. 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 



423 



The Pyro-Puncturing Process. 

The method of firing now found to be most effective for this dif- 
ficulty, and that used most generally by the best practitioners, is the 
pyro-puncturing process. It is much easier done, more simple, not 
so liable to blemish, and far more effective. I give two forms of 
iron ; one representing about three sixteenths of an inch, the other 
about an eighth of an inch or less, in diameter. The rule is, the larger 
the iron the farther apart must the holes be made, and the smaller 
the iron the closer together. The principle is to make the punct- 
ures as near as can be done safely without producing so much in- 
flammation as to cause the skin to break or slough between them. 
The average distance apart is from three fourths 
to one inch for the larger iron, and half an inch 
for the smaller iron, observing not to go near 
the vein. 

If the horse is valuable, it is best to use the 
smaller iron, as there is less danger of blemish- 
ing. The part of the iron used should be suf- 
ciently long to enable puncturing as deep as de- 
sirable. I give illustrations of two such irons; 
one representing the round part drawn out with 
considerable bulb behind to give sufficient body 
to retain heat ; the other a bulb of iron with a 
hole punched, into which is fitted a piece of 
steel or iron wire of suitable size. These fine- 
pointed irons for pyro-puncturing should be 
used only when at a white heat, and never when 
cooled to a red heat. The reason for this is that there is much 
less pain felt when the iron is at a white heat, as the sensibility is 
almost immediately destroyed. It is desirable to have three or 
four irons heating at once, so as to be sure of having one continually 
at white heat. 

The method of using it is to barely touch the skin at first, to 
mark the points to be punctured, which should be extended out 
some little distance beyond the line of enlargement or immediate 
seat of trouble (as shown in Fig. 724). Then repeat, burning much 
deeper each time, until the holes are made to a depth of about three 
eighths of an inch, more or less, according to the severity of the 
case. Where there is much enlargement, penetrate to the bone 
proper over that part. When the firing is complete, rub on thor- 
oughly a strong blister. The following simple Spanish-fly blister 
is good : — 




Fig 7'34.— Dots Show- 
ing Usual Number and 
Location of Punctures 
in Firing. 



424: 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



Spanish flies. 1 oz. 

Li(liiid tar \ oz. 

Lard 2 oz. 

Mix, and rub on thoroughly from five to ten minutes, putting" 
on a pretty thick application, and leaving on about forty-eight hours, 

O^ when wash off with warm water and soap. When dry, 

){ rub on some grease or lard ; and let the animal rest 

three weeks. 

The princi- 
ple is to keep 
the horse quiet 
long enough to 
give time for 
exudate to be 
thrown out and 
unite the parts 
involved, and 
this requires 
from three to 
five or eight 
weeks, and in 
some obstinate 
cases possibly 
even longer, de- 
pending upon 
age ; the young- 
er the horse, 
the more easily 
and quickly this 
will be done, 
while the older 
the horse, and 
the less consti- 
t u t i o n , the 
slower and more difficult it will be to do. In any event, it must be 
continued or repeated, until the lameness disappears, after which 
work moderately for awhile. 

If, after a couple of months or so, there is any perceptible lame- 
ness or soreness, an ordinary biniodide of mercury blister may be 
applied once or twice, as the case requires, or the firing may be re- 
peated, as before stated. The point is to keep up sufficient counter- 
irritation to make the cure complete. It will also aid in removing 
any enlargement that may remain. 




Fig. 725.^Stnall 

Pyro-puncturing 

Iron. 



Fic. 730. — Large Pyro- Fig. 727. — Small Pyro- 
puncturing Iron. puncturing Iron. The 
Wire too Small. 



DISEASES OF THE BOXES. 



425 




Fio. 738. -Joint Anchy- 

losed in Ring-bone, witli- 

out Enlargement. The 

Roughened Appearance 

of the Bone the Result 

of Inflammation of 

the Periosteum. 




Fig. 739— Ring-bone. The 

Joint Anchylosed and 

Enlarged. 



Ring- Bone. 

The treatment for ring-bone, splints, curbs, and spavins is prac- 
tically the same. If 
there is inflammation, 
the result of recent 
strain, use cooling ap- 
plications, and give the 
horse rest until it passes 
off, when counter-irrita- 
tion by blistering or fir- 
ing must be resorted to. 
A ring-bone is a bony 
excrescence, or enlarge- 
ment, about the pastern, 
most frequently occur- 
ring in the hind leg. 
Sometimes it does not 
cause much lameness, 
while again the lame- 
ness may be very severe, 
and perhaps incurable. 
This will depend much upon the location of 

the enlargement upon the joint. Should it be upon the center of the 

bone, it may not occasion any trouble ; but if upon the margin of 

the joint, it is liable to cause much lameness. 

Fig. Y29, taken from a photograph, is a front 

view of an enlarged anchylosed joint, or ring- 
bone ; Fig. 730 is a view of another specimen 

cut through the center, showing the joint grown 

solid. I include an illustration of quite a bad 

ring-bone, and the same clipped, lined, and also 

dotted to show how the firing should be done 

by the pyro-puncturing process. 

At first there may be a somewhat tender and 

yielding enlargement, which, in the course of 

time, becomes a hard, bony formation. Second, 

the horse may make an effort to relieve the 

pressure from the heels or toe, according to 

the location of the inflammation. Should he 

raise the heels, then raise the heel-calks and 

round the toe. If on the other hand he seems 







Fig. 730. — Longitudinal 

Section of Joint after 

Anchylosis. 



426 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



to throw pressure upon the heels, then lower the heel and round 
the toe. In the fore feet, at any rate, it will be necessary to round 





Pig. 731. 



-Ring-bone as it Usually 
Appears. 



Fig. 733— As a Ring-bone Should be Fired 
by the First Method. 



the toe sharply, which will greatly relieve the strain upon the joint 
by enabling the foot to roll easily, or turn upon the toe. The best 
method of doing this is by the Roberge shoe, illustrations of 
which are given in " Shoeing," pages 2S2, 283. Clip the parts, 
as shown in Fig. 722, then blister or fire, as explained for spavin. 
There should be no blistering or firing 
around the heel under the fetlock, as this 
would cause breaking or an irritation of the 
skin, which would be very annoying and 
difficult to heal. 

Side-Bone, or False Ring-Bone. 

Side-bone, properly speaking, is not ex- 
ostosis, but ossification of an already exist- 
ing structure, it being ossification of the 
lateral cartilages of the os pedis, or bone of 
the foot. It is most common in the fore feet, 
especially where the pasterns are short and 
straight. 

Symptoms. — The lateral cartilages, which in health are soft and 
flexible, become enlarged, project above the hoof, and are hard and 
bony. While the inflammatory process is going on, there is heat 
and pain in the part, and consequently lameness, which in most 




Fig. 733.— Method ot Firing 

by the Pyro-puncturing 

Process. 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 



427 



cases ceases when the ossification is completed ; but there is always 
a degree of stiffness observable, and the lameness is apt to return if 
the horse is much used on the road. 

Causes. — Short, upright pasterns predispose to them ; they are 
most common in heavy draught horses, used for teaming on the 
road. Sometimes it arises from a tread from another horse, which 
causes inflammation of those structures, which is followed by ossifi- 
cation of the cartilage. 

Treatment. — The same principles must be observed in all these 
cases. Rest is most essential ; continued cold applications, by mak- 
ing him stand up to the fetlocks in soft clay, 
with cold water frequently applied, would be 
the proper treatment until the acute stage has 
passed, after which repeated blistering, or, if 
thought necessary, firing would be advisable. 

Curb. 

This is a swelling upon the back part of tiie 
hock about five or six inches from the point 
(an illustration of which is given in Figs. 734, 
736). If there is heat and tenderness, with more 
or less lameness, use cooling applications. The 
quickest way to reduce inflammation of this 
kind is to direct a stream of cold water against 
the part for ten or fifteen minutes, and repeat at 
intervals. It would relieve considerably to raise 
the heels of the shoe, and when the inflamma- 
tion subsides, blister repeatedly. If this does not succeed, fire the 
part. 

Curbs are not usually difficult to manage. I include a remedy 
which is very effective in removing chronic enlargements of this 
kind. It was first brought to my notice by being used upon one of 
my baggage-horses during one of my campaigns in Ohio. I pur- 
chased this horse cheap on account of his having a large curb, which, 
though it did not cause lameness, blemished the leg badly. I no- 
ticed my manager. Dr. Williams, occasionally rubbing on some 
medicine. It seemed to me like a waste of time to attempt doing 
anything for it, and so expressed myself He said, " Wait, and I 
will show you the effect." He simply applied the remedy two or 
three times a week, and in two or three months, to my surprise, the 
enlargement had almost entirely disappeared. Since then several 
cases of morbid joint enlargement have been cured by applying this 




A Well-defined Curb. 



42S DISEASES AM) TIIEin Ti: EAT MR ST. 

rcMiiLtl)' (iccasionall)' for two or tlinc months, one especially had, 
caused 1))' an injury duw ii near the lioof. 'I'he folluuin^^ is the 
remedy : — 

Oil ori^nniim I oz. 

Oil ol' H|iilu'. 1 »)/. 

Oil (if lunliiT. t oz. 

HpirilH of tur|irMliiic 1 oy.. 

C;iuii|ilinr 1 oz. 

Mix lhoi(in;,;hiy, and ml) on the- enlarj^'ement two or three times 
a week. 

The follow inLj is the tn-atment used by one of the most success- 
ful veterinary surgcon.s in this country : — 

I'irst, put on a hifjh-lieeleil shoe, tlien take boilini,' water, and 
witli a spon^'c liave the curlj well h.itlu-d ftir .ibout ten minutes. 
Then apply the following liniment : 

Ai|iia aiiuiioiiiii. 1 oz. 

Tiiicl. of iodine 3 oz. 

(Jlyccrliic. ;( oz. 

Apply to the part two or three times a day, until quite sore. 
Then stop for a 
sV^\ few .la\-s, when %|ffl&#i'M.\^ 

. , repc-at the med- ^UilWVal 

U'lne as belore, ^HHUt mn 

ll«f SM!V V '""' ^" continue 

until aijain sore. 

Hoc Si'.WlNS NBK-'-iS*- 

.\ N I ) T 1 1 R- \HK A?"."' 

OL'<;il-I'lNS. 

This disease 
m.i\' bi- called 
wind-!.;alls of the 

hock, caused, us- PPk"\\^ 

Fui. 7:r.. An Ordinary Curb. >''>".\'. '')' str.iin p,, .-;;,-, a Very Bad Curb. 
a n (1 o\-erwork, 
but princi[>ally b\' luni^iui; back upon the hind le;.;s. When the 
swelling;' is inside and front of the hock, it is called a botj or blooil 
spavin. This is c.iused by a ilistension c)r rupturiuf^ of the mem- 
branes which cover the synovial ca\it\- of the joint. Tlie swelling 
is st)ft, and j-ields to the pressure of the t"inL;er. 

Thor<>u;j,h-pin isdf the s.mu- ch.ir.uter an enlargement on the 
back-, inside of the upper |i.ut of the joint, where in its natural con- 
dition is a IkiIIow. This swi-lliuL; extends across undi-r the tendon. 





niSEASKS OF THE BO.VES. 



429 



forming a tumor between the calcis and thigh bone. It is simply a 
rupture of the synovial membrane, allowing the synovia to escape. 
By pressing upon one side, the swelling is pushed through to the 
other side ; and sometimes there is connection with the swelling in 
front. These enlargements rarely cause lameness, though some- 
times they may cause inflammation of the parts involved. 

'I'lR-ri- is no satisfactory treatment for these diflieult irs. One of 

the best remedies during 

the acute stage is to rui) 

(111 soft soap and s.ilt. 

Kul) 111! lllr IMlt tllol- 

()iii;lil)- .il iiiidil .mil 

wash iilT in tlic iiKHiiini;, 

Inr two or llin-c tiuu:s. 

T h i s will sometimes 

work wonderfully well. 

IIivc used it repeatedly 

with the best success. 

'I'liis n-iurd)' will work 

well on acuti; cases, but 

its effect is not satis- 
factory upon old, con- 
firmed cases ; for if the 

enlargement is brought down, sharp driving 
or straining of the parts will usuall)' bring back the trouble. 
Blistering sharjily is the treatment usually puisiud, II this l.iils, 
firing is the last resort. There is no difficulty in bringing down an 
enlargement of an ordinary bog s|)avin by blistering, but as soon 
as the horse is put to work or strained in the least, it is liable 
to come back again. 

I consider trusses and all that sort of thing (if no 
special account in this difficulty. I have been toUl 
repeatedly of p.irtics who jiiincturi'd these iMilargi-- 
ments to alliiw tlie seeret i< uis to run mit, tll.it In 
each case so much infiammation was exciti'd in tin- 
joint as to cause the loss of the horse. 

Blood spavin is sujjposed to be caused by a dis- 
tension of the large vein which passes through the 
integuments involved in bog spavin. I do not 
know any distinction between them win tli)' of iiuiitii)ii, i:s])ecially 
as there is no tre.itment givt'ii other lli.in tli.it named. 





Fid. 7!i7. — Bog or Blood 
Spavin. 



Fid. 7I!H.- Thorough pin. 




Fid. 7:ii). — Capped 
Hock. 



430 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 




Fig. 740. — An Ordinary 
Capped Hock. 



Capped Hock. 

This is an injury or bruise at the point of the 
hock, and is usually caused by striking the parts 
against some hard object. If the inflammation 
is acute, use cooling applications. When the 
inflammation has subsided, use any ordinary 
stimulant or blister recommended for the pur- 
pose. 

Wind-Galls. 

Wind-gall was the name given to those soft, 
puffy swellings found at the back part of the 
fetlock joint, from a supposition that they con- 
tained air. They consist of enlargement of 
the little sacs, or bags, which are always found 
to contain a mucous fluid wherever tendons pass 
over joints, as at the back of the fetlock. This 
form may be termed simple wind-gall. In other cases, the distension 
is caused by an increased secretion, and bulging of the capsular 
ligament of the joint itself This form may be distinguished as 
complicated wiftd-gall. 

Few horses that have done any work are free from them, and 
unless dependent 
on some more se- 
rious lesion than 
simple distension 
of these bnrscc 
mucosa;, they are 
of no conse- 
quence. 

Causes. — Hard 
work is the well- 
known cause of 
w i n d-ga 1 1. In 
rapid motion or 
heavy draught 
the friction of the tendons is greatly increased ; consequently an 
increased secretion of synovia is required, and takes place in all 
synovial sacs during exercise ; but if the action be not so violent 
as to strain the parts, it is speedily reabsorbed. On the other hand, 
if the exertion be inordinate, these little bur scz nnicoscs hecome injured, 
inflammation is set up, and they become permanently enlarged. 




Fig. 74L- Natural, Fig. 74i.— Showing Fig. 743.— Clearly Marked 
Healthy Joint. Two Enlargements. Condition of Wind-gall. 



DISEASES OF THE BOXES. 



431 



Again, the exerti,on may be so violent as to cause sprain of the 
tendon, which extends to the capsule, or the joint itself may 
suffer, and cause distension of the capsular ligament, constituting 
complicated wind-gall, which is more serious. 

Symptoms. — Simple 
wind-galls are little puffy 
swellings, seen at the 
sides of the tendons as 
they pass over the fet- 
lock joint, most common 
on the hind leg. They 
are soft even when the 
weight is thrown on them. 
It is very important to be 
able to distinguish be- 
tween simple and com- 
plicated, or between the 
harmless and what is not 
harmless. If situated be- 
tween the tendon and the suspensory ligament, it depends on dis- 
tension of the burses through which the tendon passes ; if it feels 
hard when the other leg is held up, and is accompanied with a 




Fig. 744. — The Aspirator.* 




Fig. 743. — Hypodermic Syringe that Would Answer. 

slight lameness, the tendon is implicated. When placed in front of 
the suspensory ligament, between it and the bone, it is accom- 
panied with increase of synovia in the joint itself 

Wind-galls generally appear suddenly. 

Treatment. — There are three methods of treatment : First, 
during the acute stage they can be easily removed by any firm but 
even pressure by pads and bandages, with cold water frequently ap- 
plied. 

* This cut was furnished by John Keynders & Co., Manufacturers of Surgical and Vet- 
erinary Instruments, etc., 303 Fourth Avenue, New York City, N. T., of whom any Tet«rinary 
instruments needed can be obtained. 



432 DISEASES AND rilEIR TREATMENT. 

Second, when it has been long neglected, or the case is com- 
plicated, counter-irritation or any good stimulating liniment or 
light blister may be used. The biniodidc of mercury ointment may 
be well rubbed in several times, or a cantharides blister may be 
used. 

Third, letting the synovial fluid out. This is done with an 
instrument called "the aspirator," which is a bottle attached to a 
small suction-pump, or more properly, a syringe attached to a 
bottle, and worked so as to draw out the fluid. The method of op- 
erating is as follows : Force the needle of the aspirator into the 
wind-gall, and draw off the fluid. When it is all drawn, inject a lit- 
tle of the following solution into the part : — 

Tinct. i(MliiH'. J oz. 

Ioilid(! of ijotiissiiuu 20 gi". 

Water 3 oz. 

Bandage well and keep the parts wet with cold water, the 
bandages to remain on from three to five days. This produces an 
adhesive inflammation of the part. This treatment can be used 
with safety in all cases where there is enlargement of the sheaths 
of the tendons. It cannot be safely used in what is called a blood 
spavin, because there is danger of puncturing the vein, and sec- 
ond, may extend into the true hock joint, which would induce so 

much inflammation as to produce 
a stiff joint or even suppuration 
of the coverings of the bone, 
which would finally destroy life. 
,y^„.^,^. The hypodermic syringe, shown 
F/ ' ''j ill in Fig. 745, may be used. 

; // Miml. 
'V fmlMam N.\vicuLAR-JoiNT Lameness. 

It is estimated that this is the 
cause of full)- nine tenths of all 
serious and obscure cases of 
lameness in the fore feet. If 
neglected or not treated prop- 
erly, in from three to six months 
such changes of structure, or de- 
generation, take place in the 
Fio. 740.— As the Horse Usually Rests his parts as to make cure impos- 
Toc upon the Ground. sible, when it is termed " groggy, 

or chronic lameness." In refer- 
ence to the cause of this lameness, a verj- able author says : — 




XA VIC ULA R-JOINT LA ME NESS. 



433 



This is a strain that does more mischief than any other, and entirely from the 
circumstance of its producing scarcely any lameness in the walk. A horse, there- 
fore, when strained in the colBn joint, and having no lameness, or scarcely any, in 
the walk, is usually put to work, or what is nearly as bad, is turned to grass without 
any regard to the situation, where he is often liable to be driven about. If, instead of 
this, it Were treated like other strains, whose symptoms are more apparent, and which 
produce a greater degree of lameness, it would soon get well, and with greater cer- 
tainty than a strain in the back sinews. But as it is a strain in the coflBn joint, it is 
the most intractable kind of lameness we meet with, because it is nearly always 
neglected at its first occasion. 

Svniptovis. — It sometimes occurs in an instant, as by a horse 
stepping on a round stone, running 
in the field, etc., when he may at 
once be quite lame ; at other 
times its progress is slow. Some 
peculiar formations of the foot are 
more subject to it than others. 
When the result of sudden strain, 
there will be considerable heat in 
the back part of the foot, with 
well-marked lameness. When it 
comes on gradually, a slight ten- 
derness is observed, particularly at 
starting, which goes off with ex- 
ercise. This gradually increases ; 
the foot is found hot, and as a re- 
sult of increased heat, contraction 
may set in, the hoof becoming dry 
and brittle. He steps on his toe, 
and when standing, points his foot, 
that is, places his foot in front, rest- 
ing on the toe ; and if both feet are involved, which is not uncom- 
mon, alternating the feet. Contraction is not an invariable symp- 
tom, as feet are subject to it that are entirely free from contraction. 
Often the foot is found to be round and apparently healthy, the 
most careful examination by the owner or smith not enabling them 
to locate any cause for the trouble. In ordinary cases the horse will 
show no apparent lameness while on a walk ; but on a trot may 
flinch considerably, showing a great tendency to stumble.* Driving 




Fig. 747. — Usual Appearance of Fool 
with Chronic Coffin-joint Lameness. 



* In some cases, usually fast trotters, the horse may at first only point, and gradually show a 
little soreness or stiffness at starting, or wliat is termed bobbing — dropping the head. Irrita- 
tion in these cases is induced very slowly, as hereafter explained. The principle of treatment 
is the same, — prompt removal of the cause of irritation, developing healthy circulation in the 
parts, and aiding mobility. 



43i 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 




Fig. T48. — Back View of Coffin-bone ana ridvicular-bone 
Attached in Place. 



down hill, or on a rough, cobbly road, will greatly aggravate the 

lameness, be- 
cause going 
down hill in- 
creases the force 
of concussion ; 
and a stony or 
uneven road so 
wrenches and 
strains the joint, 
or exposes the 
frog to such in- 
cidental press- 
ure, as to greatly 
increase the pain 
and soreness. In 
some cases of 
acute strain, the lameness may be quite marked, the horse being 
scarcely able to walk, and When he does, keeping the foot flexed 
by walking upon the toe, and when standing, resting the toe upon 
the ground. As this acute stage passes 
off, which will usually be in one or two 
weeks, the animal will seem to have grown 
much better, at times perhaps appear quite 
well, then grow suddenly worse again, de- 
pending upon the part of the joint involved 
and the road he is traveling on. He will 
go better on hard, smooth, sandy roads, 
but on soft, yielding ground, is liable to* 
grow lamer, if the sole is thin and the frog 
prominent, because of the increased press- 
ure upon the frog, and thence upon the 
parts involved, by the foot setting into the 
ground. As the lameness continues, more 
or less change of structure takes place in 
the foot, a gradual drawing in of the quar- 
ters, the foot becoming perceptibly smaller 
than the opposite one, the heels higher, 
the frog smaller, and the sole more concave, 
the hoof showing a more glossy, hard ap- 
pearance. The shoe will invariably be 
worn round at the toe. A result that often follows is a shrink! 




Fig. 749. —Back View of tlie 
Bones of itie Foot. 



NAVICULAR-JOINT LAAfENESS. 



435 



or wasting of the muscles of the shoulder, called "sweeny," which is 
caused by a want of properly exercising them. The symptoms are 
about the same, so far as the lameness goes, whether the mischief 
has extended to ulceration or not, the history of the case only 
guiding in enabling to determine how far this has gone. Of course 
these conditions will vary in degree, as there may be only a slight 
extent of ulceration, or a high degree of simple inflammation. Yet, 
in the former case, the lameness will not be so marked as in the lat- 
ter, notwithstanding the prospect for recovery will be much less. 

We will now presume a horse, without any apparent cause, to 
show a little lameness, and we desire to make a careful examination. 
First, is there any possible cause from recent shoeing, such as a 




Fig. 750. — Position of the Bones of the Foot too Oblique. 

a, Pastern bone; b, Coronary bone ; c, Os pedis, or cofBn-bone; d, Usual seat of the 
lameness; e, Perforans tendon. 



badly fitted shoe, driving the nails too close, or pricking.' Let the 
shoe be taken off carefully, by raising each clinch in succession, and 
pulling the nails out. Now tap and examine all parts of the foot 
carefully, and especially if there is any bruise or corn at the inner 
heel, or at any part of the sole, which will be noticeable by being, 
red, and sensitive to light tappings of the hammer or to squeezing of 
the pinchers. It is always best to make the most thorough and 
careful examination, so as to give assurance of being able to point 
with more certainty to the difficulty under consideration. Pressure 
with the thumb over the middle of the flexor tendon, on its inner 
side or its outer, as deeply as can be reached in the hollow of the 
heel, the foot being bent back, causes pain ; or catching the foot in 
one hand and the ankle in the other, and while twisting a little, 



48(5 



DISK ASKS AND TIIKII! TRKATMKNT. 



pressing,' aj^Miiist the Iciulon, will ciuisc considerable flinching. Tap- 
|)int( lij^'luly upon tiie bar or sole, (jn each side t)f the frog, will cause 
nine Iiiii);. Next, if the liorse is taken by the head ami liirmd short 
round, lie will show increased lameness. 

Upon an examination of tliese cases by the owner or iiorse- 
doctor, if no cause of trouble is discovered in the foot, the lameness 

is supposed to be in the shoulder. 
Now, there is no lameness that 
reveals itself more plainly than 
shoulder lameness; because 
when the muscles of the slioul- 
der or arm arc strained or in- 
jured, the mobility is so serious- 
I)' inipairc-d that the limb is 
lifted and brought fnruaid with 
a sort of tlragging niution. It 
is easy ti> sei: if a man were 
to injure his shoulder or arm, 
that with the greatest effort he 
would scarcely be ablir to lift 
it I II put ini his 1(1. it. Hut wrre 
tlu- tmnhli- ill his hand, or below 
tlu- clliLW, he- K.nld (li> it with- 
out the Ir.ist (lillicultN-. The 
(■iTert is tin- s.mii- npnn the 
hdise. \\\ nici\ing him back 
and Icirw.ird, il llu' Iroubli' is 
ill tlu- loot, or below the knee, 
the fool will be i.iised ami (.allied forw.iid ii.iturally, but jiut down 
tenderly, as if trying to protect it fidin the force of concussion ; 
whereas, if in the shoulder, as ex]ilaiii((l, the mobility of the limb is 
greatly impaireil, which is sluiwii \iy tlu- diri'iriill)' with which it is 
raised and brought forward. 

I udiild (.ill p.ii li( iil.ii .iltciitidii to these symptoms, from the 
f.ut lli.it allci .111 cs.iiiiiii.it iini b)' persiuis who do not understand 
the n.itiiic (if the difliciill)', ,iml finding no app.ircnl trouble in the 
fot)l, the conclusion is ariiscd at that it must be in the shoulder, 
which is treated with liiiiiiuiits, blisti'riiig, etc., as explained, w ithout 
doing any good, not onl)- punishing the horse unnecessaril)-, but oc- 
casioning a loss of valuable time. 

I would .also remind, in tliis connection, that when the lameness 
continues in one fool lor some lime, on .acouiit ol tlirowing the 




Kid 



Tondoiis anil Liyamonis ol the Foot. 



N.WK 7/ A A I! JOINT I. A MKNKSK. 



4:j7 



Wcipht so iniicll II|icmi llic <i|i|)Ositc U\n\ lo iclicvi- I lie hlllic 'iiic ill 

staniliii^' or walldni;, linn- is li.il)ilil\- lo luiiii; mi llu- •..iiin- timiMc 
in till' well one, ,1 iwil iiiK oniiiHiil ( i( i iiiiiik c, vvllcll tlic l.iinciicss 
will l)c ciiii.ill)' I nark IT I in liol li Ic jic Iccl . 'Ilic linisr will ('.row wol'HC 
wluii I lie lifcl is lowcicil by piilliii;; nil ,i lliiii slioc, or by losiiifi the 

slioi', anil will fM) bitter wlu-n tlio 
lii'-l is i.iisiil, .mil i-spri i.illy sii if 
t III- t III- i'. I oiiniliil s(i as Id aiil liiii- 
bilily. 

( <ilis< \. \ 111 1 iillin jciiiil is ( iiiil- 
pnsnl i,f llin (■ iM.nrs ; vi/,, llu- 
lowrr <iV prilal biHir, anil lllc lia- 
vii iilar anil |iaslrni bones. (Sec 
j'ii;. 11'^.) 

1 1 will bi- SITU I li.il I III- n.i vii iil.ir 
boiii- i-x1i-iiils .11 Id-.-. Ilii- b.K I, <-il(,ic 
ol I In- I oriiii joiiil ; lli.il 111. ll(,-xor 
li-nilon ])a-,',rs ilowii nnilii il, .•iiii! 
iir.ii I ', il ',1-ir into I III- low I- 1 -,iii l.ii r 
of till- pi-ilal boiir. 'rili-, -.npiii.l I 'i 
1 III- II. I vie III. 1 1 bom- wlii-ii wrii'lil i-; 
lliiowii upon llu- limb, as tlu; back 
p. Ill ol I III- -.III. ill p.i',li-in rirsts upon 
llu- ii.iviiiil.ii bonr. Now, if froin 
,my I .111-, I- il I il .il ion is si-l up in I In- 
synnvi.il inriiibr.-|iii- ol tlii-, -an. ill 
bom:, or of till- sllral li ol I Ik- liinloii 
which supports il, oi ol llu- sni- 
Fiii. 7r,a. Alla.;hn,«nl ol Pcrlorans Ton roundinf' parts, whilln l by -pi.iin, 

■omiission, injury, coiitrai t ion, im- 
iiopir siioein},', chaiifMii;; llu- ob- 
liquity of tin- fool.llial i-,, r.iisin!; or lowrrinj; llu- lin-l loo iiiin li, 
allowin^^ till- loi- to j'low loo loiii;, or any lair.i- of i li.iniMiii; llic 
])ropcr adjiistmi-iil of llu- fool, i-tc, tin- i-ffrit is jirai t ii .illy tin: same 
in causinjr innamm.ilion .-iiiil l.inn-niss. 

The best aiithorilies af^ree lii.il I In- ino-.t i ommon imlircct causes 
of this lameness an; raisiiifr tin: bo;; Ironi tin- j^roiiml anil coiitrao 
tioM. i\\\ oil I a II I li or of liij'li st.imliiij^ says : — 

VVIii-ii Uii- fool, is in ilH iiiil,iinil cuiiililioii, llui frog Is ItH Htronf? polnl. of Hii|i|iorl; 
iiriil If UiIh Hiipporl, Ih riiiiiovini liy purine;, or liy lliii uhi: of (liii-U hri'li-il hIio<:h, wlilrli 
riUHi! Hill fi-o/{ from all piiHHllilo roiiliirt with tin; ^^roiinil, lliit Miijiporl Ih wiraki;jii;il, 
anil tliiiri) Ih niiccHKarlly «rc!al, Htniln llirown uiioii tliii lomiim. TIiIh Ih r.aUHud liy 
piiHliltif^ llic coronary agalnHt tlio navicular bono, which, I)(jln/{ rupoatcd at every 




(Ion to Roltoni ol Piidul Bono. From 
Manikin ol Iho Fool. 



438 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



..<!(*«'V 




Fig. 753. 



-Inferior Articulating Surface of the Navicular 
Bone in a Healthy Condition. 



step or jump the horse takes, strains the tendons, or causes inflammation. By con- 
traction, because in proportion to the drawing together of the heels, there will be a 
compressing or forcing upward of the arches of the commissures and horny frog 
against the tendon and navicular joint, impeding the action of the joint generally, 
and liable to cause inflammation of the synovial membrane, ulceration, and change of 
structure ; it also destroys the natural position of the limb, by making the pastern 
joint more pei-pendicular, which, as has been mentioned, increases the jar of the co- 
ronary on the pedal bone. So that we have involved the lower surface of the navic- 
ular bone, its synovial membrane, the flexor tendon which plays over it, and some- 
times the upper surface, when it is called coffin or navicular joint lameness. 

All leading authorities 
concur in the correct- 
ness of this statement. 

Treatment. — The first 
and most important con- 
dition of cure is rest ; 
the horse should be at 
once taken from all 
work ; he must not be, 
as is commonly the case, 
allowed to run even in 
pasture, or anywhere 
where there would be 
any freedom to run or 
walk around much ; give 
him simply the limits 
of a large, level stall. 
Remove the shoe by 
raising the clinches, and 
pull out the nails one by 
one ; then cut off or 
hammer down the toe- 
calk, and partly turn up 
the toe like the ground 
surface of an old worn-out shoe. Next, raise the heel-calks from 
five eighths to three quarters of an inch, fit the shoe nicely to the 
foot, and nail on, being careful not to wrench or hammer it un- 
necessarily in doing so. Two important points are gained by this : 
First, raising the heels from the ground throws the articulation of 
the pastern bone well forward upon the pedal bone, relieving press- 
ure of the navicular bone from the tendon supporting it ; second, 
the removal of all pressure of the frog from the ground, which ag- 
gravates the inflammation, and rounding the toe aids mobility, and 
thereby lessens the strain upon the joint. 




Fig. 754. — Indications of Disease. 




J^iG. 75."). — Inflammation Progressed so Far as to Cause 
Caries of the Bone. 



iVA VICULAE-JOINT LAMENESS. 



439 




Fig. 756. — Showing the ERect of Long-continued Inflamma- 
tion in the Foot. This is Caries of the Navicular Bone 
and Pedal Bone Greatly Reduced in Size. 



If there is much 

lameness and heat in 

the foot, provide a tub 

or box, in which put 

water as hot as can be 

borne with the hand, 

and sufficient to come 

up even with the 

ankle, and let the 

horse stand with the 

foot in it for about an 

hour, keeping the 

temperature up to the 

point stated. Now 

take a bag or cloth, 

into which put a suffi- 
cient quantity of bran 

to envelop the foot 

thoroughly, and tie 

loosely around the 

foot or ankle ; pour on hot water moderately, and then let the horse 

stand, allowing the poultice in the meantime to become cool. If 

there is much in- 
flammation and 
lameness, this 
method of hot 
fomentation may 
be repeated two 
or three times 
during the day, 
until all the in- 
flammation sub- 
sides. The usual 
method of apply- 
ing hot fomenta- 
tions is to take 
several thick- 
nesses of blanket 
or rugs, and after 
wringing them 
Fig. 757.— The Navicular Bone Fractured. Fool Bone Greatly out of water as 
Reduced in Size, Weakening the Fiber/ hot as can be 




440 



DISEASES AND TIIRIR rUEATMENT. 



borne, bring them around the foot loosely, and repeat at short 
intervals as they become cool ; or a lot of bran or mud can be put 
into a box, and hot water poured on until at the temperature 
desired, when the foot can be placed in it up to the ankle, as before 
explained. The general practice is to tie a poultice of bran around 
the foot, and keep wet with cold water until the inflammation sub- 
sides, which would be good treatment ; but if there is much inflam- 
mation and lameness, I would certainly advise, as far as practicable, 
hot fomentations continued for iihout an hour, then alternating with 

cold, and repeated 
two or three times 
each day ; but letting 
the poultice or cloths 
remain on until cool 
will be sufficient for 
reaction from the pre- 
\ious application of 
heat. 

If cold applications 
are used, it is impor- 
tant that there be suf- 
ficient bran or wet 
cloths tied around the 
foot and ankle to keep 
the parts thoroughly 
wet and cool, until in- 
flammation subsides, 
in addition to which 
the bottom of the foot 
should be kept stuffed with flaxseed meal, or anything that will 
aid in keeping the foot moist and cool. If this is done, after about 
a week the attack will usually pass off. After the acute stage has 
passed off — and the wet cloths should be kept on until that time, 
even if there is no lameness — it is good practice to apply a siiarp 
blister around the heel and coronet. It is in any event necessary, 
and may be even repeated once or twice, shoukl there .still remain 
any lameness. In the meantime, as before stated, the horse should 
be kept quiet, and if there is much lameness, there should be given 
in the first place a small dose of physic, with laxative, cooling food. 
This is all that is necessary to do in an\' ordinary case, and es- 
pecially at an early stage. 

It is next imi>ortant not to expose the horse to conditions that 




Fio. 7.')8.— As the Scton Should be Inserted into the Fool. 

A, A, the s<'ton; H, IIk' sensitive frog; C, ii!ivl(iil:i 
bone; D, Insensitive frog. 



LAMINITIS, OR FOUNDER. 



441 




would strain or injure the foot until fully over the effects of the in- 
jury. Consequently, the horse should at first be driven very mod- 
erately for two or three months, or more. If the road is rough, 
frozen, or stony, there 
is such danger of strain- 
i n g, wrenching, or 
bruising the foot, and 
thereby causing a re- 
lapse, that the horse 
should not be driven, 
if it can possibly be 
avoided. 

If there is any con- 
traction of cither or 
both quarters, there 
should be a special ef- 
fort to overcome this 
also during the treat- 
ment. (Sec "Shoeing.") 
In opening the foot 
with the spreaders, 
great _care should be 
taken not to produce 
any irritation. The 

quarters should be opened gradually. When the lameness has en- 
tirely disappeared, bring the frog again slowly to the ground to the 
extent it will safely bear. If any soreness is indicated, raise the 
heel a little, keeping the foot moist to prevent contraction ; and 
when the soreness passes off, again gradually lower it. It is always 
advisable to call in a veterinary surgeon if one is available. In ex- 
treme cases a frog seton is advised. This, of course, can be at- 
tempted only by the surgeon. 

LAMINITIS, OR Founder. 
Laminitis, or Founder, may be described as simply congestion 
or inflammation in the feet. It may be severe or moderate, accord- 
ing to the degree of disturbance. If inflammation runs high and is 
allowed to continue, it is liable to produce so much disorganization 
as to induce loss of the hoof, which is, however, rare ; or so much 
change of structure in the feet as to make the horse ultimately so 
stiff and sore or .so much of a cripple as to become practically worth- 
less excepting for slow, easy work. This loss of substance and 
change of structure is shown by a variety of illustrations. 



Vio. 759— The Navicular Bono Fractured. 



442 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



There are two stages of this disease, acute and chronic. The 
first produces a high state of excitement and inflammation of the 
sensitive lamina, and more or less of the internal structure of the 




Fig. 760. — Position of Horse when Suffering from a Severe Attack of Laminitis. 

foot generally ; the second, a morbid or insensitive feeling of the 
parts generally. The first or acute stage can be invariably cured, 
if treated properly, which is not at all difficult to do ; the second, or 




Fig. 701. — As Itie Horse Usually Lies Down when Suffering from Laminitis. 

chronic, stage is not curable, but may be palliated to a limited ex- 
tent. 

Symptoms. — At first, if the result of exhaustion and chill, there 
will be the marked effects of great disturbance of the circulation, so 
that there may be a general stiffness and soreness, with high, 



LA MI NIT IS, OR FOUNDER. 



443 




Fig. 762.— Showing the Fool 
Broken and the Outer Mar- 
gin Turned up. The Ef- 
fect of Founder. 



quick pulse, etc., which will be soon followed by tenderness, con- 
gestion, and inflammation of the feet. To relieve the pain in the 
feet he endeavors to throw his weight upon the hind ones. He ad- 
vances them in- front, resting principally on 
the heels, when the hind ones are drawn well 
under him, something like the position shown 
in Fig. Y60. On backing him, he backs with 
evident reluctance ; when forced back, he 
drags one foot after the other, evincing con- 
siderable pain in doing so. When moved 
forward, he walks on the heels, his move- 
ments being slow and difficult. He will often 
be found lying down, as removing weight 
from the feet gives relief; and while down 
he will usually point with his nose toward 
the feet. Sometimes the inflammation may 
be in but one of the fore feet, or sometimes 
in the hind feet, which is not common ; and 
in some isolated cases inflammation may be 

in all four feet ; but is usually limited to the two fore feet. 
Causes. — Laminitis is very 

apt to occur from overtasking 

the feet by pounding them 

over a hard or rough, frozen 

road, or leaving the horse 

standing while heated and ex-, 

hausted, and especially where 

a current of cold air strikes 

him ; indirectly by prick or 

binding with nails, or contin- 
ued injury from a badly ap- 
plied shoe, or any cause of 

continued strain or injury to 

the feet ; driving through a 

river while warm ; washing 

the feet while warm and neg- 

lectingto dry them ; frequently 

also from overloading the 

stomach by eating too freely 

of oats or other grains, as we 

often see when a horse gets loose during the night and gets to the 

oat-bin ; or drinking too freely of cold water when heated and ex- 




FiG. 763.— Showing the Bone Greatly Reduced 

in Size and Brol<en. The Effects of Severe 

Laminitis, or Founder. 



444 



DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 



hausted. It may also be caused by inflamma- 
tion passing from other parts of the body to 
the feet, but not often ; but by whatever cause, 
it is the same, namely, excess of blood in the 
feet. 

Treatment. — It is evident that when such 
a large volume of blood as passes through 
the foet is obstructed, and active inflammation 
is set up, that there must not only be great lo- 
cal but general disturbance, and that it is not 
only necessary but of importance to relieve 
this as quickly as possible, if results would be 
prevented which would destroy the health an-d 
mobility of the foot. The inflammation is pri- 
marily limited to the sensitive lamina and sole, 
which, if allowed to go on, seriously involves 
the periosteum and bone, when it is called 
peditis, which is of a more serious character, 
and specially referred to farther on. I will 
first give the treatment pursued by Dr. Sum- 
merville,* a practitioner of great experience 
and success, with whom I studied. I include 
it mainly because I know of its effectiveness 
from personal experi- 
ence. If the case can 
be treated as soon as 
the disease begins to de- 
velop, bleed from the 
neck vein from four to 
eight quarts, according 



1. Transverse section of the 
hoof. 

2. Horny laminae. 

3. Vascular laminae. 

4. 5. Small cells between the 
podophyllous and the keraphyl- 
lous tissues, 

6. Section of the tubes of the 
hoof. 




Fig 



764. — Arteries of the 
Foot Injected. 



As will be seen, this beautiful 
structure is entirely destroyed in 
the front part of the foot, as 
shown in Fig. 775. 




Section of Hoof Lamins Largely Magnified. 



* Dr. William SummervUle, No. 127 Krie St., Buffalo, N. Y. 



LA Ml NIT IS, OR FOUNDER. 



445 



■m% 




Fig. 766. — A Section of Hoof Showing the Sole Bent and 
Bulged Downward. The Effect of Founder. 



•to the size and condition of the horse ; that is, if the horse is large 
and fat, and consequently full of blood, and the attack severe, then 

the larger quan- 
tity mentioned 
may be taken. 
Afterward give 
a purgative ball, 
not enough to 
physic severely, 
but to open the 
bowels freely, 
which, as ex- 
plained definite- 
ly under the 
head of" Physic- 
ing," for an av- 
erage-sized horse should be from 4 to 7 drachms aloes, 1 drachm 
ginger, bar soap enough to make a mass, and made into a ball. 
After the fore shoes have been removed, poultice the feet thor- 
oughly with bran and cold water, as follows : Fill two small bags, 
sufficiently large to hold three or four quarts, with bran, put a foot 
into each, and tie loosely 
around the top with a string. 
Keep wet either by pouring 
on water, or by putting each 
poulticed foot into a bucket 
of water. This manner of 
poulticing should be kept 
up for four or five days, 
when the shoes may be 
tacked on and the horse ex- 
ercised a little. Cloths wet 
with cold water should be 
tied around the coronet, 
and the soles stuffed with 
flaxseed meal, or any other 
means of keeping the feet 
wet for a week or two can 
be used. 

The horse should have tepid water to drink, and warm bran 
mashes during the operation of the medicine. If the disease is stub- 
born, which is rarely the case, a second ball may be given after an 




-Front View of the Pedal Bone in a 
Healthy Condition. 



44(5 DISEASES' AXJJ TIJKlli TREATMENT. 

interval of four or five ilays. All the cases coming under my ob- 
servation in the Infirmary during' the )'ear in which I was connected 

with it, and all 

p.;\__ that have been 

ji!jl™ treated under my 

'/)/ {^^M'Jlf'u supervision since 

"" tlu'ii, invariably 

^W^W X M/ treatment. If the 

W/ case has run two oi 

(M^*w. r ^ .JFil three daj's with- 

out treat m e n t 

, ., _ or has not been 

^ mL ^ treated properly, 

»v''''Ai^l fl^ , \ 1 would advise 

" ' ' *■' ,, r^^fl opening both toes 

*,r— ; YXi' ' J ^^^^^ '>>' thinning out 

, _^ their soles, anil 

™'^^^^^^^^^^^ the feet ])ut into 

moderate!)- h o t 
water so as to ex- 
tract a ([uart or 
more of b 1 o o d 
Fui. 7()S. Showing the Extreme Change of Slruclino and Injury fiomeach If this 

to the Fool The Effect of Laminitis. The Pedal Bone ^ , , 

„. , J . ^ . „ ^ .. „ cannot be done. 

Displaced in an Extreme Degree. From the French. 

then open the 

veins freely at the coronet. If treated as directed, it is rarch' that 

the att.ick will not pass off in fuir or fi\'e da)'s. 

Dr. C'h.irlrs Meyer .uhises t In- f illow ing motle of treatment, 

which lu- h.is used with great success: — 

If llic uiiiiuiil is laUi'ii williiu till' past tweiily-four lunu'.s, luivi; llie shoes re- 
movfd, and piil tlio I'ect into a till) of liol wator. Wiiiil llannel wrappings or l)anil- 
nges around lioth logs up to tlic elbows, and keep tlicin coiuitanlly wet with hot 
water for from two to three lunirs. In the mcantiine have the horse well covered 
with blaukols, and give the foUowini,' rcimclv: 

Fluid extract aconite 30 drops. 

Oil of sassafras. 1 oz. 

Saltpeter 3 oz. 

Linseed-oil 1 pi. 

This is to be given at once. Tlicio will bo a profuse perspiration in from liftii'i 
to twenty minutes. Keep the blankets on about si.\ hour.s, then remove and (mt on 
dry ones. Keep wet swabs on the horse's feet, and stand him on wet clay. All 
stillness and soreness in the feet will be removed in from thirty-six to seventy two 
hours. In tlie meantime fjive one of llie followinij powders ; — 




LA Mini T 1 8, or founder. 447 

Bicarbonate of potash 3 oz. 

Nitrate of potash 6 oz. 

Make into six powders, and give two every eight hours until 
well. 




Fio. 769. — Showing the Great Change of Structure Produced by Severe Inflammation. 

Dr. William Shepherd, of Ottawa, III., in an address before the 
State Veterinary Association, advised treatment as follows : — 

In the treatment of acute laminitis, as soon as possible after having discovered 




Fig. 770. Infernal View of Fig. 769, Showing the Great Displacement of Pedal Bone. 
The Dotted Lines Show the Point to which the Foot Should be Trimmed. 

that the animal has been foundered in the feet, or has acute laminitis, whirli is the 
same thing, have the shoes taken off, place the feet in a deep tub of warm water in 



IIS 



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iiinkiiii Tluoiiiili. Tim Elliiol 

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LnnilnllK. 




ioO 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



I'orm, and have its texture weakened. Figs. 770 and 777, which 
were also obtained from Prof. Cressy, show the great amount of 




Fig. 77.5. — A Sectional View of Fig. 771. An Exact Drawing of Specimen Showing Grain 
of New Growtli of Soft, Spongy Horn. 

change and absorption that may be produced from this cause. They 
represent the superior and inferior views of a bone that had been 
very much absorbed and turned up at the outer edge, cut in two, 
and united to sections of an ordinary healthy bone, to show the ex- 
treme change produced in its 
form. The part outside the 
dotted lines was so porous that 
it could be looked through as 
plainly as through the texture 
of coarse cloth, and its fiber 
was so weak that it would 
crumble between the fingers. 
Fig. 778, also obtained from 
Prof. Cressy, is another in- 
teresting specimen showing 
the upper view of another 
bone of the same character. 
Fig. 779 is a side view of this 
bone, taken on an exact scale, 
showing the remarkable bend- 
ing up of the edges, and its 
thinness, it being not over 




Fiii. 770. — Posterior Sectional View of Pedal 
Bone, Sliowing Ctianged and Weakened Con- 
dition from t)ie Effect of Inflammation. 



ClIBOXIC FOUXDER. 



451 




M. —Inferior View of Bones Shown in Fig. 
776. Part to ttie Riglit Diseased. 



three quarters of an inch at 
the pyramidal process, or front 
of the joint.. Fig. 780 is a 
bottom view of the same kind 
of bone, and was obtained of 
the Columbia Veterinary Col- 
lege. Being engraved from 
a photograph, it did not work 
up so well. Instead of being 
flat, as it appears, the outer 
edges were bent upward over 
a quarter of an inch, with the 
edges ragged and broken. 

I include also a specimen 
showing effect of inflamma- 
tion by the pressure of the 
toe-calk and excessive rasp- 
ing of the wall. These re- 
markable changes of structure in the foot generally, especially in 
the pedal bone, when compared with that in a state of health, we 
see to be very great, and explain the destructive effect of inflam- 
mation when allowed to con- 
tinue for any length of time. 
Reference can also be made to 
the many interesting speci- 
mens following the section on 
" Navicular-Joint Lameness" 
showing this. Many of these 
specimens will show not only 
the navicular, but the outer 
edge of the pedal, bone to be 
fractured. 

In some extreme cases where 
inflammation runs high, and is 
allowed to continue very long, 
this separation of the wall from 
the internal structure may be 
continued so far as to cause 
ulceration of the coronet and 
loss of the entire hoof; but this is rare. 

There is no cure for chronic founder. All that can be done is 




Fig. TT8.— Showing Absorption and Change 

of Form in Pedal Bone,— the Effect of 

Inflammation. 



452 



nrsBASFS Axn their treat mext. 




Fig. 779. — Side View of the Above, Showing 
Bending up of the Edges, etc. 



to palliate it to the best advan- 
tage. Some good practitioners, 
when they suspect any exuda- 
tion at the toe, and a separation of 
the laminae, open the toe, so as 
to give free vent to it. This I 
would regard good practice. 

When there is some dropping of the sole, the best way to produce a 

healthy condition of circulation and cell-growth is to put on tips 

or very thin shoes that will 

allow pressure upon the sole. 

(See "Tips" in "Shoeing," 

pages 334 and 389.) Better 

still, in addition, would be 

allowing the horse to run on 

soft or gravelly ground. 

(See Treatment for Peditis.) 

Peditis, or Inflammation 
OF THE Os Pedis. 

When there is severe in- 
flammation of the feet (1am- 
initis) the periosteum (mem- 
brane covering the bone) 
and the pedal bone some- 
times become involved, 
when it is termed Peditis. 

This is indicated by the horse showing intense pain, getting up and lying down 
often. No local treatment seems to check the structural changes tliat go on ; it will 
run from one to two months ; the horse has a ravenous appetite all the time, and as 
a rule does not lose flesh. If temperature rises, give sedative treatment, — opium, 
aconite with nitrate of potassa in small doses (not over 1 ounce a day, divided into 
two parts-and given in water). When the temperature gets down to 102°, stop inter- 
nal treatment, and treat locally about as follows : It is necessary to have astall wilha 
soft bottom, as saw-dust, ashes, etc. Occasionally it is best to dampen the ashes a 
little during the daj-, and rake them up so as to form a yielding body to the feet. 
Throw a little bedding over it at night, and also during the day, to give the horse a 
chance to lie down. 

Treatfiient. — Apply cooling applications, such as cold swabs ; 
that is, cover the feet with two or three thicknesses of blanket, and 
keep wet with cold water. After the acute symptoms subside, blis- 
ter. The point is to lower the fever, and check the flow of blood to 
the feet. 




Fig. 780,— Inferior View of Pedal Bone. Last 
Referred to in Text. 



Chapter XXIII, 



CATARRH. 

REFERENCE is made under the heads of " Circulation " and " Dis- 
eases of the Air-Passages," especially on pages 406 and 483, to 
the importance of guarding the horse from such variation of 
temperature or serious disturbance of the circulation as would pro- 
duce conjestion of those parts ; and what is said on such pages should 
be studied in connection with this subject. 

Catarrh, or " cold in the head," is an affection of the lining mem- 
brane of the nasal chambers and cavities of the head. It consists of 
a conjested or inflamed state of that membrane, giving rise to a 
glairy discharge from one or both nostrils, and when the head of 
the windpipe (larynxj is implicated, accompanied by a cough. 

Causes may be classed under predisposing and exciting, as the 
majority of young horses under five years of age may be said to be 
predisposed to this affection. The e.xciting causes are sudden va- 
riations in the state of the temperature ; undue exposure to cold 
when an animal is in a heated state, especially after a hard day's 
work or drive ; standing in stables badly ventilated, or any place ex- 
posed to cold draughts. Perhaps the most common cause in young 
horses is placing them in warm stables in the fall of the year imme- 
diately on taking them off the pastures. A sudden change from a 
cold to a hot temperature is more likely to cause catarrh than a 
change from a hot to a cold one. 

Symptoms. — If the horse is standing in the stable, he will appear 
dull, and incline to hang his head in the manger ; the mouth is hot, 
and the pulse quickened and weak ; the coat is staring, and the lin- 
ing membrane of the nose is reddened and injected. If the larynx 
is involved, steady pressure on that region will cause coughing. 

(453^ 



454 



DISEASES AXD THEIR TREAT M EXT. 




Fig. 783.— Suffering 
From Cold. 



This is the congestive stage, which speedily passes off, and exuda- 
tion takes place from the vessels, causing a discharge from the nos- 
trils, at first watery, gradually becoming thicker, and of a yel- 
lowish color. In some instances this matter becomes pent up within 
the sinuses of the head, and comes away in 
large quantities every three or four hours. A 
watery discharge from the eye is also very 
often an accompaniment of catarrh. If these 
symptoms become aggravated, the appetite is 
impaired, the bowels are costive, and the feces 
passed are of a clayey nature, the legs and ears 
are cold, and the breathing accelerated. Ca- 
tarrh, if improperly treated, or the animal kept 
at work and exposed to sudden changes of 
temperature, is very apt to descend to the chest, 
and is a prolific source of other and more se- 
rious diseases, as inflammation of the lungs 
{pneumonia), or of the covering of the lungs 
{pleurisy), or of the bronchial tubes {bronchitis). 

In the majority of cases catarrh is but a simple affection indi- 
cated by a little increase of pulse, a slight discharge from the nose 
and eyes, the hair roughened, not much appetite, and some cough, 
which is sometimes severe, and if the patient gets anything like 
proper usage or treatment no very serious results generally follow. 

Treatment. — At once place the animal in a 
comfortable, well-ventilated, loose box, as should 
be done in all affections of the chest ; blanket 
warmly, give aconite or some of the fever med- 
icine ; if the case is serious, as stated, it may run 
into general inflammation of the air-passages, 
as bronchitis or laryngitis ; also hand-rub and 
bandage the legs ; the clothing and bandages 
must be removed twice a day, and the body 
well rubbed over. Give one or two drachms of 
aloes in solution, combined with one half drachm 
of powdered ginger. Steam the head by means 
of a nose-bag partly filled with scalded bran, 
into which put an ounce or two of turpentine. 
Hang the bag on the head same as in cut, being 
careful not to have it so tight around the nose 

as to heat or scald it, and be oppressive. Many horses have be'en 
suffocated by having the bag brought too tightly over the nose. A 




Fig. 783. —Nose-bag. 



LARYNGITIS, OR "SORE THROAT: 



455 




few repetitions of this will cause the nose to run freely. Nurse by 
giving bran mashes, boiled oats, etc. Rest and care will usually 
do the rest. In mild cases it is not necessary to use the nose-bag. 
A few doses of tartar emetic and nitrate of potash may be given 
daily in a bran mash, and the throat rubbed with a stimulating lin- 
iment. If there is much inflammation of the throat and air-pas- 
sages, any good liniment may be applied on the throat and around 
the chest, and bandaged as shown in the figure. 

Laryngitis, or " Sore Throat," 

consists of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the head of the 

windpipe (larynx). It is generally called 

" sore throat," and is a very common 

affection among horses, occurring in a 

variety of forms, being sometimes of a 

very acute nature, and running its course 

with great rapidity ; in other cases of a 

milder type, and assuming what may be 

called a sub-acute form. 

Causrs are similar to catarrh, as undue 
exposure to cold and variations in the 
temperature ; but in some seasons it ap- 
pears as an epizootic disease, large numbers of horses becoming 
affected with it about the same time. These cases are always of a 
typhoid nature, more especially when occurring in stables insuf- 
ficiently ventilated. 

Syiitptorns of" sore throat " 
are well marked. The horse 
holds his head stiff, with his 
nose poked out, showing 
the muscles of the neck 
prominently ; he has con- 
siderable difficulty in swal- 
lowing ; if he attempts to 
drink, part of the water is 
returned through his nos- 
trils ; the throat is painful 
to the touch, and the least 
pressure excites a violent fit 
of coughing. At the com- 
mencement of the disease it is difficult to distinguish it from " dis- 
temper " (strangles). By the third or fourth day the difference can 



Fig. 784.— Simple IVlelhod of 
Covering the Throat. 




Fig. 785. — Method of Covering the Throat and 
Chest for Laryngitis. From iVIayhew. 



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/"/r"™^'***^i^ '''"'■ ^'■""^^' '"•'"'' l-'l^'"'!'''" '■ '""" 
' ^^ llic iiii'.l III'., Ill .iliiiiil .1 will'. Hu- 
ll II ll.l'. in.lllllril, Illl inilr '.nil, .nil! 

|>i>iiil'.. .iinl llllll I lini'.l'i 111 '.Innilil 
Ik- ii|irni ll , 1 mil inn. '. In ilr.i li.ir^i'C 
Illl '.llllll I iini , .mil |;i .nin.il In iiVfiy 
l.il,. •. |il.i. .' I'.nl ll I In . ,i',r.' is Vfiy 

H'lu. iHH 8l,n,.l« IWiminil 01 Covorin,, •'■^"" " "'" K'-nv wmsr, nCt.n 

Ihi) Tumor v»h.m Sllmulnlml. 1 In i.il iinni; In. .iiisr HllllnCil I In- 

jnii'..' i'. .ilili 111 I'.il III iliiiil-. Inil III 

ll. , .mil '.liiniMli I'. In, I i,i|inll\ 

linilniriil I'l . ,v n Ir .1 1 1 .mini I ,il)li', uill v.'lll ll.il 11 1 '.1 .1 II , ilnllir 

w.niiilv; 1 III. .milli.mil.ii;. I 111 li]','. . mil'..' Iiy j',iviii(; In.m ni.r.li."., 

iinil.-.l ...lis, c. Hints, ftl. Ilnw. I'i slnmlil \n ii|..'n<'il jiy ilijct I inliH. 




ttoS 



DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMEXT. 



Use freely a poultice made of wheat bran and warm vinegar, chang- 
ing as often as the poultice becomes dry, using the eight-tailed 





Fig. 789.— The Eight-tailed Bandage. 

bandage until the enlargement becomes soft and can be opened, 
when relief will be prompt. Or the following treatment may be 
adopted, which is very good, and in some cases may be preferable : 
Take spirits of turpentine, two parts ; spirits of camphor, one part ; 

laudanum, one part. 
Put this on the neck 
with a brush, if con- 
venient, or in an)- way 
to apply it without ex- 
citing pain, three or 
four times a day until 
soreness is caused. 
After each application, 
have ready three or 
four pieces of flannel, 
which should be a good thick article ; put these over the parts, and 
bind on with the eight-tailed bandage. Or hot fomentations and 
poultices can be freely ap- 
plied to the tumor, so as 
to encourage the forma- 
tion of matter. When the 
tumor points, open it by 
cutting through the skin, 
and if necessary enlarge 
the orifice by pushing in 
the finger, also small dose- 
of saltpeter should be given 
in the feed, or the following 
powders night and morn- 
ing : — 



Fig. too. — The Eight-tailed Bandage as Adjusted. 




Fig. 791. — Opening theAbsoess in Strangles. 



Niter 1} oz. 

Tartar emetic 6 dr. 

Mix and make into six powders. 



GLAXDEUS AND FARCY. 



459 




Sometimes the inflammation is so deep as to cause serious sore- 
ness and swelling of the throat. In this case the horse must be 
nursed carefully by feeding warm gruel ; the drink should be warm ; 
grass or anything that will tempt the appetite should be given. 

Glanders and Farcy. 

I consider these difficulties mainly to enable the detection of 
them to prevent their spreading, as they are 
extremely contagious to both men and horses. 
They are incurable, and to guard against the 
possibility of danger when a case is suspected, 
the only safe way is at once either to isolate or 
to destroy the animal. 

I depend mainly for my explanation of these 
diseases upon several old authors.* They fully 
agree with the statements of modern authors 
that it is practically useless to tamper with glan- 
ders. Farcy in its early stage can be controlled 
without difficulty, but the medicine injures the 
constitution seriously, and in addition, it is 
rarely that the disease will not soon break out 
again or develop glanders. 

Symptmng. — The distinctive appearances which glanders present may be slow in 
their development, and may continue for years, during which he may feed and work 
well, constituting cKronic glanders; or they may run on rapidly, and in two or three 
weeks are well marked and soon come to a fatal termination, when it is called acute 
glanders. 

The coat is rough and staring ; he is usually hide-bound ; 
tje belly drawn up, and constitutional disturbance exists, 
the pulse being easily excited ; the membrane lining the 
nostrils is of a leaden hue ; the glands inside the lower 
jaw where the pulse is felt become enlarged, hard, and 
nfuJuIar like a mass of peas or beans, especially on the side 
^^i^l^fB^^ ' from which the discharge takes place — usually the left, 

1'. . *'/ ^.'fS' sometimes the right, or even from both; the discharge is 

rlear and watery at first, becoming thicker and sticky, ac- 
cumulating around the nostril ; cough may be present, but 
it is not an invariable symptom. As it advances, the dis- 
charge increases, becomes purulent, of a greenish color, 
sometimes mixed with streaks of blood : it is of a heavy specific gravity, and if 
dropped into water, sinks to the bottom ; it has a very offensive smell ; the gland on 
the affected side becomes hard and adherent to the side of the jaw ; ulcerating tu- 
bercles form on the nostrils, which have a mouse-eaten appearance, being raised and 
irregular at the edges, and depressed in the center : they run into patches, and spread 



Fig. TOi. — An Ordinary 
Case of Farcy. 




Fig. 



793. — A Farcy 
Bud. 



* Turner, Touatt, M. Volpi. White, and others. 




460 DISEASES AXD THEIR TREAT MEXT. 

over the whole nasal septum ; weakness and emaciation set in. The ulceration 
in some cases extends to the cartilages, and even the bones are sometimes impli- 
cated, when occasional bleedings ensue. Cough is troublesome ; fare}- buds appear 
in some cases over the body, and he dies a disgusting and loathsome spectacle. 

Farcy. — Farcy and glanders are essentially the same disease, and depending on 
the same specific poison in the blood, but manifesting Itself in a different locality. 
It often occurs in connection with glanders, but is also seen independent of it, run- 
ning into glanders as it progresses. 

Symploms. — It usually affects the superficial absorbents of the hind limbs in the 
groin, extending downward on the inside of the 
thigh, following the line of the lymphatics, also along 
the absorbents of the neck and shoulders ; little tu- 
bercles, or farcy buds, form, which in some cases be- 
come indurated and lie dormant for a time, but in 
most cases they go on to ulceration, producing angry, 
irregular ulcers similar to the ulceration in glanders ; 
the virus being conveyed along the absorbents, the 
buds extend in knots; lines of corded and inflamed 
absorbents are felt extending from below upward, 
the hair being rough and bristling along their course ; 
-A Piece of Farcied '^y ^°*^ ^^ swelling of the legs sets in ; as it goes on 
From Mavhew. ^® becomes emaciated ; the ulceration attacks the 

nostrils, and glanders and farcy are combined, and 
death relieves him at last.* A disease called watery farcy must not be mistaken for 
genuine farcy. 

As there is liable to be considerable difficulty experienced in 
diagnosing glanders from common running of the nose from cold, 
strangles, or nasal gleet, I include the best description I can find of 
the symptoms as they progress : — • 

The earliest symptom is an increased discharge from the nostril, small in quan- 
tity, constantly flowing, of a watery character and a little mucus mingling with it. 
Connected with this is an error, too general, and highly mischievous, with regard to 
the character of this discharge in its earliest stage of this disease, when the mischief 
from contagion is 7nost frequently produced. The discharge of glanders is not sticky 
when it may be first recognized. It is an aqueous or mucous, but small and con- 
stant, discharge, and is thus distinguished from catarrh or nasal gleet or any other 
defluxion from the nostril. It should be impressed on the mind of every horseman 
that this small and constant defluxion, overlooked by the groom and by the owner, 
and too often by the veterinary surgeon, is a most suspicious circumstance. 

Dr. James Turner, an old English veterinary surgeon before referred to, deserves 
much credit for having first or chiefly directed the attention of horsemen to this im- 
portant but disregarded symptom. If a horse is in the highest condition, yet has 
this small aqueous constant discharge, and especially from one nostril, no time 
should be lost in separating him from his companions.! 

* Fig. 794 is a very good illustration of a bad case of farcy photographed from life. 

■f Mr. Turner, during his experiments, referred to a fine mare that had simply a slight run- 
ning of mucus from one of the nostrils, which he pronounced glanders, and highly contageous. 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 



461 



This discharge, in cases of infection, may continue, and in so slight a degree as 
to be scarcely perceptible, for many months, or even two or three years, unattended 
by any other disease, even ulceration of the nostril, and yet the horse being decid- 
edly glandered from the beginning, and capable of propagating the malady. In 
process of time, however, pus mingles with the discharge, and then another and a 
characteristic symptom appears. Some of this is absorbed, and the neighboring 
glands become affected. If there is discharge from both nostrils, the glands within 
the under jaw will be on both sides enlarged. If the discharge is from one nostril 
only, the swelled gland will be on that side alone. Glanders, however, will fre- 
quently exist at an early stage without these swelled glands, and some other diseases, 





Fig. 795. — A Bad Case of Farcy. Photographed 
From Life by Prof. Cressy. 

as catarrh, will produce them. Then we 
must look out for some peculiarity about 
these glands, and we shall readily find it. 
The swelling may be at first somewhat large 
and diffused, but the surrounding enlarge- 
ment soon goes off, and one or two small 

distinct glands remain ; and they are not in the center of the channel, but ad/iere 
closely to thejain on the iiffected side. 

The membrane of the nose should now be examined, and will materially guide 
our opinion. It will either be of a dark purplish hue, or almost of a leaden color, 
or of any shade between the two ; or if there is some of the redness of inflamma- 
tion, it will have a purple tinge ; but there will never be the faint pink blush of 
health, or the intense and vivid red of usual inflammation. Spots of ulceration will 



Regardless of his advice, the mare was sold. Months afterward he found a number of horses 
in a stable suffering from glanders, all having undoubtedly taken the disease from this mare, 
she having been worked and stabled with them. A large number of cases are referred to by 
others, caused by being put into the stalls that had been occupied by horses showing the above 
symptoms ; in one case one horse was the means of inoculating a whole troop of army horses, 
making it necessary to destroy them all. So it is best to be on the safe side, by taking the 
greatest possible precaution when a case is suspected. 



4r,2 i)isi:.\si':s a.vu tiieiu theatmest. 

jpriiliulil.V Miipcm- (111 llic iiicialiriuic I'livniri^,' llic i'iirlilaf;c nf the iki.mc, iint. merely 
Korij pliiceH, or HlreakH of iiliniHiiiii, and (|uile Mi|icMll<'iiil, but small iih'orH, UHually 
iiliproaeliiiiK to a cireiilar form, dceii, and willi llii' edtrcs abrii|it and ]iroiiiinciit. 
Wlieii lliese appuaraiK^CH aru ohHorved, llnre can he no dcnilil alioiil, IIk' inalt.er. 

When idcerH bcKin to appear on tlie iiuMidiraiie id' Ihc imsr. tlie ciiiisliliitinii of 
the horse Is hikmi evi(hMitly alTeeted. Tlie palieiit loses llesli ; his belly is tiieUed up ; 
Ills eoal, iinlhrifly, and readily comes oil' ; tin! appelilo is impaired ; the Ktn^n;,'th 
fails ; cou(ih, moro or less ur^iMd,, may be heard ; lh(! dischargo from the nose will 
ineroaso in (luantity, It will bo discolored, l)loody, olTensivo to tho smell ; the ulcers 
In the nose will bw^omo lari,'(M' and moro numerous, and the air i)asHaf,'e.s beinj^ oh- 
Hlruclcd, a f.'ratin.i,C. ('hoking noise will lie heard al every acl of lircalhin;,'. Tlierc is 
now a, peculiar tiMidernesH about llu^ forehead. 'I'lii^ iiiciniiraMc liniii^j; Ihc I'l'imlal 
nImuscs is inllauied and ulcerated, and Ihc intc<;'ument of tin; fondiead liecomes 
thicUi'ned and somewhat swelled. I'.niy i^ mow superadded to f^landers, or glanders 
has def,'enerated into farcy, imd moie of the absorbc^nts arc involved. 

At or lieforo this time littlo tumors appear about tho nuisch^s and faoo and 
noek, following th<! course of tho veins and tlu^ absorbents, for they run side by side ; 
and these the tumors soon ulccralc Tumors or bucN. .siill pursuiii;; Ihc palh nf the 
absorbentH, soon ap])oar on the inside of the Ibi^lis. 'I'bcy arc coiinccled toi^clbcr 
by a corded substance;. This is llic inllaiMcd and ciilai;_'ed lymphalic ; and ulcera- 
tion (|UicUly follows tho appcaranrc of llnsc Innls 'I'hc deeper .seated absorbents 
are ne.\l alfe^elcd ; and one or Imlh of Ihc hind lcf,'s swell to a f,'real size, and l)c- 
como HtllT, and hoi. am! Iciulcr. 'i'hc loss of llesh and sIrenKth is moro nuirUed 
every day. The mcnilnaMc of llie nose liccoines of a dirly. livid color ; th(! mem- 

liraiu; of llic I illi is .'.lraiii;ily p;dliil. 'I'l ye is iiilill lalcd willi a yellnu- lliiid ; 

and tli(Mliscliar'4i- from llic nose liccorncs more profuse, and insulVerably olfensivc. 
The aninuil prosonts one nuuss of putrefaction, and at last dies e.\luinsled. 

As statctl before, clironic catarrli is a ilischar^^c from tltc nose, 
affeclint; oiilv tin- liniiiL; nicinhr.mc nl the iinsc ; iiml there may be 
also enlargement df the i^l.mds, sl.irin;.; eu.it, .iiul deliilily, so tliat it 
is sometime.s diflkull to (listin.miish one lidni the uther (iiiriiiL;" thi' 
early Staye of ^'i.uuh'rs. Tlleil, ayaiil iiiecr.ilicl teetii ni,i_\- inmkRe 
the same symptoms df discharge from the nose of a \c'r\- ollensi\'c 
character, which ni.iy Ik- taken for olanders. So lliat, w inn tliere 
are the char.nterist ie syinptnms uf ^i,in(h'rs, it is very imporl.int to 
look closely to tile condition of tlie teeth -is there ;iny i-nl.iry;e- 
menl or ulcerous secretion in their neiiddx uhuod, which m.iy cx- 
tcMul intii the n.is.d ca\'it\'? When the limse is \.iln,d)le, and there 
is ;iny drndit ahnut the cise, the best w.iy is to inocul.ite some 
worthless horse with some of the virus ; if L;landers, it will show 
itself very ciiiickly. 

Tlic iisiiiil mclhoil of doinii' Ibis is to llrst cill nlV llic hair fniMi Ihc side of llie 
necU or oilier pari of llie body aliniil llie si/e of a half dulhir ; linn lake a lancet 
and pass it under Ihc euli<dc, or siairf skin, only deep <'UoU!.:li to brinj; a few drops <if 
blood. Tho matter i.s to bo introduced into this <ipeniii},' with atliiii slip of wood of 
th(^ form of tlie laiu'cl. If the mailer is i;lan(leroiis. the part will liiM-onu; sore in 
two or Ihrci' days, and a si ah will fi.rin on il, which, in a few da>s will be llirown 



CLANDERH AND FARCY. 403 

(ilT, Iciivin;; a peculiar kiiiddl' ulcer, vvliicli will dflcii s|ircnil rii|ii(lly, I'aiisiiif^ a pain 
ful HWclliii;^ of llio udjacont partB, wilh c(}nl(Ml lyiiiplml,icH ami farcy hiid.s. In almul. 
a fnitni,i;lit the (,'laii(l(;rH will appoar. 

I'rof. Koljirt Jcimings, of Detroit, ail old vc-terinarian of much 
experience, speaks in tiic Veterinary Jonnial of Comparative Medi- 
cine of a number of cases supposed to be glanders, which proved to 
be caused by ulceration of the teeth, which lie ciirc'd withf)iit dif- 
ficulty. Could refer to ;i nimilur of cases f)f this cliar.ictc:r if neces- 
sary. The test of inoculation would of course be conclusive. 

Treatment. — The followin^^ are favorite prescriptions for farcy : — 

Arsenic 5 \iy. 

Kxt. iiu.\ voin I (jr. 

h'or a drench in a ])int of water twice a day. — Prof. W'illiniiis. 

Sulphate of copper , 1 ijr. 

Iodine 1 dr. 

This amount in a pint of water twice daily.- — I'rof. Williams. 

iHulpliale of copp(;r \ dr. 

Bulpliate of zinc ^ dr. 

Auise-sei^d I) dr. 

Make into a ball with common mass, and give once a day. — 
Prof. Gam gee. 

Hulpliatc of cop|)cr I dr. 

Calomel I ,scr. 

(/'oninion turpcnlliie. 8 dr. to .J oz. 

Licorice powder, enough to form the ball.-- Prof. Colniiaii. 

Three draehni.s of Kuljiliate of cop|H!r j^ivcn (rvery iiiglil in llie food until the 
animal refuscH to eat. After a few day.s repeat ; but if the case Ih bad, give the nujd- 
ieine in water aH a drench, if he will not take it in his food. — An Old Practitvmer. 

The following, which was obtained by the writer years ago in 
Ohio, was regarded as very valu.il)le for the cure of farcy. It was 
claimed to be a great secret, and was r<-j)eate(lly sold for fifty dol- 
lars as a specific for farcy : — 

Sulphur 1 Hi. 

Saltpeter \ lb. 

I'lac'k antimony 1 oz. 

If acute, give one tablespoonfid twice a day. If sidj-acute, once 
or twice a week. 

Two parties who have used the above assured the writer that 
they had cured farcy with it, and regarded it as a very valuable 
prescription. 

The ulcers are to be ojjcned and dressed with disinfi.'Ctants, and 
treated as for an ordin.iry ulcer, great care bc-ing take-n not to get 



464 DISEASES AiXI> Til El 11 TREATMENT. 

any on the person, as, should there be the least abrasion of the skin, 
it would inoculate the system. 

It is pro])er in this connection to state that glanders may be de- 
veloped in consequence of being kept in low, damp, badly ventilated 
stables, when debilitated by hard work and insufficient nourishment ; 
also as a sequel of weakening complaints, such as neglected or im- 
properly treated strangles, influenza, etc. 

When glanders is known to have existed in a stable, or is se- 
riously suspected, it is advisable to thoroughly cleanse the manger, 
etc., so as to prevent the possibility of contagion. The most careful 
experiments ha\e ])rovi(l that glanders can only be communicated 
by the virus ; and though it may be dried and lay for even a year, 
it has still sufficient vitality to impregnate with the disease. It has 
been supposed that the only way to get rid of it would be to tear 
down the stable and build it anew — an old veterinarian of much ex- 
perience so stated to the author as his opinion. 

But the following precautions are now regarded to be entirely 
sufficient : The manger, rack, or whatever there has been within the 
reach of the horse, upon which matter could he thrown or could 
touch, — and this will include partitions and every part or object in 
the vicinity,— should be scraped, and scoured with soap and water, 
and then thoroughly washed with a solution of chloride of lime, about 
a ])inl of the chloride to a pailful of water ; the walls should be 
whitewashed ; the pails newly painted, and the iron work exposod 
to a red heat ; the halters, clothing, etc., used upon the case should 
he burned. The onl\- means of preventing the disease is to keep 
the stable cool and well ventilated. Hot, close, and badly ventilated 
stables, it is claimed by all authors, are strong causes of the disease. 

There are many jockeys who make it a business to trade for 
horses of this character, fi.v: them up by cleansing the nostrils, etc., 
and trade them off. As before stated, during the early stage it can 
only be detected by slight running from the nose. Such villainous 
l)ractice cannot be too severely condemned as a crime, which should 
he prom])tly ])unishcd to the e.vtent of the law. 

Chronic Couiwi 

is often a secjui-l of sore throat Haryngitis), as also of distemper 
(strangles), ami is a disease from which, when once fairly estab- 
lished, complete recover}- seldom occurs. It consists of a chronic 
inflammation of the manv glands imbedded within the lining mem- 
brane of the larj-nx, causing an irritation of that highly sensitive 
organ. The cough is easily excited by jiressurc externally, and is 



cimoxn: ('vuaii. 465 

of a deep, hollow nature, dilTcrin^' matL-riaiiy from the louil sonorous 
sound of a healthy cough. 

It is often associated with other diseases of the chest, as broken 
wind, thick wind, etc. The cough is generally most severe in the 
morning or after meals, and is always aggravated by gross feeding. 
Ill many cases chronic cough interferes but little with a horse's use- 
fulness, especially if he is used for ordinary farm work ; but it must be 
considered an unsoundness. 

Treatment. — If the horse has been affected for some time, treat- 
ment is generally very unsatisfactory, and must be more of a pallia- 
tive than a remedial nature. If only recently, treatment may be 
undertaken with better chances of success. Give the cough ball as 
recommended for laryngitis, and apply the following liquid blister, 
or any good counter-irritant, externally, and in some cases great 
benefit will attend the use of setons. 

Olive-oil, oil of turpentine, aijiui aininoniii, (mjiihI |)iirts. 

To be shaken well, and rubbed on with the hand. 

If occurring from intestinal disorder, the treatment of course 
must be directed to the proper seat. The medicinal treatment is 
greatly assisted by feeding the animal ])ro])erly and regularly, giving 
small quantities of food at a time ; carrots in winter, and green food 
in summer should be given. Feeding nice clean corn-stalks is much 
better than hay ; if hay is fed, it should be bright and clean, or the 
dust shaken out of it, and dampened a little, and of this only a lim- 
ited quantity should be given. If a greedy eater, either remove 
from his reach the bedding, which he will be likely to eat, or put on 
a muzzle. The following are also excellent cough remedies : — 

Camphor 1 'If' 

Powdered opinni 1 dr. 

Powdered di;,'it!ilis 1 dr. 

Calomel -1 <ir. 

Make into a ball and give every second morning until six doses 

arc given. 

Tar- water i pt- 

I.ime-water h F''- 

Powdered Bfjuills 1 dr. 

This drink every morning in obstinate coughs. As a sedative 

to allay the violence of the cough, — 

Niter * dr. 

Powdered opium 2 dr. 

Prussic acid Ulilutc) ' 'Ir. 

Mix in a pint of mucilage or linseed tea, and give half, a tum- 
blerful three times a day. 
30 a 



466 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

An old writer says : " I have known an obstinate cough cured 
by drenches composed of a syrup made of molasses and vinegar ; 
also by a decoction of garlic with linseed-oil. Barbadoes tar and 
oil with balsam of sulphur, have also been employed as remedies for 
a cough." 

The following is also an excellent remedy : — 

Gum ammoniac 3 to 3 dr. 

Powdered squills .1 dr. 

Camphor 1 dr. 

Ginger. . . 1 dr. 

Castile soap 2 dr. 

Oil of anise-seed 30 drops. 

Syrup and flour enough to form' a ball. 

A favorite prescription for curing cough : Put into alcohol all the 




Fig. 796.— The Act of Coughing. 

tar it will cut ; add one third in quantity of tincture of belladonna. 
Dose, from one to two teaspoonfuls once or twice a day. 

A simple remedy which will sometimes work very nicely is : — 

Fluid extract belladonna 10 to 15 drops in a tablespoonful of water on the 
tongue three or four times a day. If there is swelling of the glands of the neck, 
rub on a sharp stimulant or mild blister. 

The writer has used this very successfully, and, in fact, mainly 
depended upon it when on the road, for allaying attacks of cough- 



Heaves, or Broken Wind. 

Heavas are indicated by an increased action of the flanks. The inspiration is 
natural, but the expiration requires two efforts to expel the air. There is at times a 



I 

HEAVES, OR BROKEN WIND. 467 

short cough or grunt while the air is being expelled from the lungs. Heaves are 
never found in the racing stable where the horses are properly fed. They are 
always found among cart or team horses which are fed upon large quantities of 
coarse food or hay. The seat of the disease is found in the air-cells of the lungs, in 
the form of enlargements and sometimes ruptures of the cells. The cause of the dis- 
ease is the immense quantity of hay forced into the stomach, the greedy animal 
perhaps, not being satisfied with his allowance, eating the bedding. The bowels and 
stomach pres.shard against the diaphragm, and the lungs not having room to expand, 
the air-cells are enlarged or ruptured, and the horse is said to have the heaves. Much 
has been said by different authors in relation to the curability of the heaves. Some 
advocate one means, some another, among which is feeding on the Western plains, 
or upon prairie hay, which is said to contain a "resin weed ;" but like many other 
remedies, it is only palliative. 

In 1843 Capt. Squiers, of Buffalo, N. Y., who commanded on the steamboat 
Dewitt Clinton, owned a valuable trotting mare called Caroline. She had the 
heaves badlj'. He took her, in the spring of that year, to Chicago, and turned her 
out to pasture on the prairie, for the purpose of curing the disease. In the fall he 
brought her back on his boat, with a quantity of prairie hay to keep her during 
the winter. But upon returning again to timothy hay, the heaves returned 
as bad as before sent west. (The writer was personally acquainted with Capt. 
Squiers, he being proprietor of the Courter House at that time, where the writer 
boarded with him.) 

Prairie hay and grass is more laxative than timothy hay, and the animal cannot 
eat half as much in a given time of the former as of the latter. Consequently it 
promotes a condition favorable to respiration, by stimulating the bowels, and also 
prevents pressure upon the lungs. I think there are several other means of treat- 
ment equally as good as prairie grass or hay ; one is corn-stalk fodder. My reason 
is founded on this basis, that it is by saccharine matter that most animals subsist, 
and the less compass occupied in the bowels the better. One quart of oats is equal to 
an armful of hay, and three pounds of corn leaves contain more sugar than six times 
the bulk of timothy hay. It will be seen, then, that the cause, treatment, and cure 
are marked in these few words ; that is, that heaves are produced by pressure upon 
the diaphragm by too much food in the stomach and bowels, and is cured by lessen- 
ing the quantity of food to occupy the same space. After the horse is turned out to 
grass a few days, the heaves will usually disappear, from the fact that the bowels 
are generally relaxed by exercise and pure air. The only treatment which will prove 
to any degree effective, is to give one of the following remedies : — 

Powdered ginger J oz. 

Capsicum \ oz. 

Form into a ball, and give three nights in succession ; then omit 
two or three nights, and give again two or three nights in succession. 
Or— 

Tincture of phosphorus 8 or 10 drops. 

Give in the drink several times a day for eight or ten days. 
The horse should have regular exercise, and be watered often with a small quan- 
tity at a time, and have straw instead of hay to eat. Under this treatment heaves 
will disappear. * 

* The foregoing is a synopsis of Dr. Summerville's lecture to the writer on " Heaves." 



4«i8 I) IS HAS lis AM) Til Ell! THEATMHNT. 

I'lof. I„ivv, in his WtiTiiuiry Adviser, says: — 

Ovirlc-c-iliii;.; nil clover liiiy, Hiilnriiiii, liicitrii, iiiid allied pliinlH ; nii cliiilV, i iit 
Hlniw, iiMil iillictr liiilUy 'umI iiiiMiliilioiiH l'ri(n|, Ih llio iiiilIii (■iiiisd of lieavc'H. In 
Aniliia, ill H|)iiiii, mid in dilifoiiiia, wliere Mieni Ih no ionj; wiiiler n^edin^ on liiiy, 
and ill our TerriUirieH wIhto cIdvim- Ih iiol wwA, lieaven In a diseiiHo tlial Ih virtually 
iinUiiown ; It ban ndvancud woHtward jiiHt in proiiortloii iih clover liay liim lieon in 
trodiieed iiH a f((!iii)ral fixldiir for liorHCH, and it lian diHappdanid in Knj,'laiiil and New 
Enffland in proporlion hh IIk; hoII iiim Ikicoiiio clover Hick, and aH ollic^r alinienl )iad 
ti) lid Hiippli(Ml 'I'lie worst coiidilloiiH <!xiHt when a liorBo Is left in the Hliililo for 
(layH and weeliH, eiitiii|af <;lover hay, or (iviai iniperfoelly cured, dusty hay of other 
UIikIh, Id Ihe (ixlenl of thirty poiindH and upwarilH dally, and then in Hiiddenly talien 
out and driven at a rapid rale. Violent exi^rtioiiH of any kind, and diseaHeH of the 
luiiKH, are also potent (tauHOH. It is mainly a diseaHe of old liorwiM, liiit may atliuHt a 
colt two years olil. Finally, Iioimch with Hinall ehcHlH are inoBt liahle, and tliim the 
dlHeiiHO proveH hereditary. 

7V/!((tej««<.— Turning mil on iimIiiihI piiKliircK, feeding corn stalUs and other laxa- 
tive food, will ndieve, ami even ciiic, mild and recent ciihch. Keedin^f on dry ^rain, 
Willi carrots, turnips, liei^ts, or polnloeH. and a very limited supply of water, will 
enalili^ many lirokcrii winded horses lo do ii fair amount of work in comfort. Ilay 
should neviT be iiIIowcmI (^\c(^pt at nif^lit, and lliiui only a liandful clean and HWeet. 

The liowels must he kept (^asy liy laxatives, the stahlcH well airifd, and si'dativcB 
(di^dlalls, opium, liclhiiloiina, liyom^yamiis, Ntnunonluni, lobelia) uh(!(I to relieve the 
oppn^ssion. If a while dischai(j;e from tlie noge co-existH, tonlcH Hhould lie jfivon as 
for lOironlc liroiiciiitis, to whictli wild clierry liark may be added. Tar-water as an 
exclusive drink may lie ffiven, and a course of carminativiiS ()^ln;fer, caraway, carda- 

moiiiM, feiincil) may he adrlcil with MilviiiitiiL'c. Hut nerve tonics 1 above all 

iirsiMiic In live ;jraiii doses iluily, imd coniinucd dnily for a moiilh or Iwo, are espo- 
<?ially valuable'. 

No liroken-winded liorsi^ should liuvi: foml or water lor rinm one lo two Iioiiih 
before K'>'"K '" work. 

The lisil,il mil IkhI c.r tic.il nii-nl .tclMpli-d liy " jni keys," is to UviX 
thi: liorsc; nii < iil i yi- -t i .iw , to Iced vclj'litllr h.iy , and I o fcrd ail 
.•diinciil '. d.iiii|i(ncd. Kyi.' .straw is cut ;is you would rut li.iy, then 
mixed w'illi III. in or middliiif^s, into which a li.millul of salt is aildcd, 
and il.im|ienc (1 with ualer. This is fed cvcrj- iiijdil. Oats and other 
j^i.iiii is always (lam|)(ned. 1 )r;nij^'lit lior?ies W-xX in litis way seldom 
show any sign of heaves. 

j'rof. Law rej.;ards the foMowinj.; ;is the liesl |)re|).irat ion for 
heaves : 

Arsenic (Fo whir's solution.) 1 o/.. 

Milladoiina exi 1 dr. 

'I'iiict. of Kii'k'er. \ dr. 

Mi.\ with ,1 piiil of \\,iter for ,i dreiuli ,iiid L;ivc every morning' 
for ;i mont li or t wo. 

!\ r.u'oiite reined)' loi- lie.ives, used by I'ldf, 1 )iek-, priiieipal of 
I'dinhiirj^h College, and undoubtedly of great value, is: — 
Camjihor, digitalis, opium, calomel, of each, .'10 j^rs. 



l;OAI!IN<!. 409 

Make into one ijowdcr or ball, and give once a day for a week. 

If no improvement is noticeable, omit the calomel, and f^ivc for a 

week or two longer. 

HpHtiiHh brown 3 oz. 

Tartar emetic , 2 oz, 

RcHin 4 oz. 

Ginger 2 oz. 

Mix and give two teaspoonfuLs twice a day in the feed. 

Vegetable tar, in mass j oz. 

Cjum (•ami)lior i oz. 

Tartar emetic 1 dr. . 

Form into balLs, one of which is to be given once a day. 

Indigo 1 oz. 

Saltpeter 1 oz. 

Kainwater 1 gal. 

Mix and give a pint twice a day in the feed. 
Roaring. 

This is a very annoying difficulty, for which there is no satis- 
factory treatment. Like chronic cough, it often follows an attack of 
laryngitis or of distemper ^strangles), and in these cases we believe 
it is owing to a wasting ("atrophyj of the muscles of the head of the 
windpipe (larynx), whereby its caliber is diminished, and when the 
air rushes in during violent exertion, a roaring sound is produced. 
The senseless and cruel practice of tight-checking, in addition to the 
throat-latch being often buckled so tightly as to obstruct the 
breathing, is also a very common exciting cause. 

Symptoms. — When the horse is not excited, and so long as the 
air passes in a uniform rate through the larynx and windpipe, the 
animal does not feel any inconvenience ; whenever he is excited or 
galloped, causing a rush of air, the roaring noise is produced. The 
sound in ordinary circumstances is only produced on inspiration, but 
in very severe cases the sound is audible both on inspiration and 
expiration. 

In some horses, roaring is difficult of detection. There are sev- 
eral tests which can be resorted to with the view of detecting it-^L 
It may often be readily detected by taking the horse firmly by the 
head and striking him suddenly on the side, causing him to start for- 
ward ; if a grunting noise is emitted, it is always a suspicious cir- 
cumstance. But the better test would be to gallop the horse sharply 
for some distance, then pull him up quickly, and by applying the 
ear to the nostrils or to the windpipe, any abnormal sound will at 
once be noticed. A good test in the case of draught horses is to 
compel them to draw a heavy load. 



470 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Treatment must be principally palliative ; much can be done by 
generous and regular feeding, and never allowing the animal to 
overload his stomach and bowels. Occasional doses of laxative and 
sedative medicines tend to relieve the more distressing symptoms. 

In the early stages, continued applications of tincture of iodine 
is beneficial when applied to the throat. With this the following 
mixture must be used internally : — 

Powdered prickly-ash bark 4 oz. 

Powdered belladonna leaves 3 oz. 

Powdered licorice root 6 oz. 

Mix the above with molasses into a soft mass, and give a piece 
as large as a black walnut on the back of the tongue, with a flat 
stick, twice a day. This must be continued for at least one week, 
after which give the remedy once a day for two weeks. 

Have the hay well dusted, and moisten all feed given the pa- 
tient. The above treatment will always cure, or give relief, provid- 
ing the disease is not too far advanced. 

Great relief is sometimes experienced by putting a seton on each 
side of the neck for some time. Sharp blistering may also be tried, 
but is not nearly so effective as setoning. 

The following treatment for the cure of roaring, or whistling, as 
it is termed, has been used by Mr. E. D. Conklin and others in Cleve- 
land, O., and they claim the most satisfactory results. Mr. Conklin, 
who is a large owner of horses, and perfectly reliable, states that he 
cured one very bad case ; could not pull a load two rods up hill 
without blowing and choking down ; was completely cured in six 
weeks. Has tried it in a number of cases, and always with satis- 
factory results. The treatment was introduced by Dr. Johnson, of 
Cleveland, who claims he can cure any case. As there is no really 
satisfactory treatment for this difficulty in regular practice that I 
know of I give this remedy and state my authority. It can be tried 
with safety. 

Fowler's solution 1 oz. 

Sulphuric acid. 20 drops. 

Give the horse in the evening 30 drops of the mixture in about a wine-glass of 
water, on the tongue. Spongia Tosta, first dilution (a homeopathic remedy), 10 
drops in the morning, to be repeated alternately for from four to six weeks, giving 
more or less, and for a longer or shorter time, according to the severity of the case, 
until a cure is effected. 

Dr. Johnson also found that when the horse is choking with 
severe inflammation of the throat, called distemper, diphtheria, etc., 
that giving successively spongia, aconite, and belladonna, after inter- 
vals of fifteen minutes, and repeating, is very effective. This pre- 



iXASAL GLEET. 471 

scription was given the writer by Dr. Johnson. Since then Mr. 
Conklin, in conversation with the writer, stated that in relieving 
heaves he found it of decided value. Filling a sponge with the 
spongia preparation, and squeezing it into the nostrils and mouth a 
few times will give relief. He regarded it very effective and valua- 
ble for this purpose. 

Bronchocele. 

Bronchocele, or morbid " enlargement of the thyroid gland or 
body.' These are two small glands situated one on each side of the 
windpipe (trachea), about three inches from the head of the wind- 
pipe (larynx) ; they are ductless glands, having no excretory duct, 
and are largely supplied with blood-vessels and nerves. 

Stallions seem to be the most affected by this. It is a tumor 
usually on one side of the windpipe, and the character of the swell- 
ing varies according to its duration. It may be soft or firm, and it 
may affect the whole gland, or only one side of it ; the tumor seldom 
causes pain, and the animal appears not inconvenienced by it, al- 
though very large. The tumor varies in size from that of a hickory 
nut to as large as a man's hand. It has been regarded by some as a 
cause of roaring, but it is evident that it has nothing to do with that 
difficulty. 

Treatment. — Iodine and its compounds seem to have the best 
effect in removing this enlargement. One part of iodine to six or 
seven of lard, to be applied daily ; and at the same time administer 
twice a day in solution 1 drachm of iodide of potassium. 

Nasal Gleet 

is the name applied to a chronic, glairy discharge from one or both 
nostrils, of a whitish muco-purulent matter, the result usually of 
neglected catarrh. The general health of the animal does not seem 
to suffer ; he looks well, feeds well, and works well. 

Nasal gleet is not an uncommon disease, and many horses have 
been destroyed, supposed to be affected with glanders, when in real- 
ity they were only suffering from nasal gleet. It is on this account 
that I have been so explicit in describing glanders. 

Causes. — It is very often the result of catarrh in a chronic form, 
as stated, induced by further exposure to cold, and want of a proper 
supply of nutritive food. It may also occur in cases where it can- 
not be traced to a catarrhal attack of the air-passages ; and it oc- 
curs oftener in aged than in young animals. 

Symptoms. — The first noticeable symptom is a yellowish dis- 
charge from one or both nostrils. The lining membrane of the nose 



472 



DISEASES AND TIIEII! THEATMEXT. 



(schneiderian) is altered in color ; it becomes of a pale leaden hue, 
but does not exhibit ulcerative patches, as in glanders. The dis- 
charge may vary both in quantity and quality. It is often retained 
for some time within the sinuses, and comes away in considerable 
quantities. In other cases the discharge is continuous, and collects 
about the nostrils ; the sub-maxillary gland, in cases of long stand- 
ing, becomes tumefied, but not adhering to the bone as in glanders ; 
the frontal and nasal bones are affected, and present an enlargement 
or bulging out over the seat of the disease. If 
tapped with the point of the finger, a dull, heavy 
sound is produced, showing that matter has col- 
lected within the sinus. In ordinary cases it is a 
long time before it materially affects the horse in 
his working capacity. When the bones are greatly 
diseased, and the matter collects within the nasal 
sinuses, it interferes with respiration, causing la- 
borious breathing. 

Treatment. — Although a formidable disease, even 
the worst of cases may recover if properly treated. 
The successful treatment in all cases where this dis- 
order has existed, has been on the tonic principle. 
Bleeding and purging are positively injurious. Give 
good food and moderate exercise, sponge the nos- 
trils with tepid water, or steam the head, as des- 
cribed for catarrh, once or twice a day, and administer mineral or 
vegetable tonics, as — 

Sulphate of copper 3 oz. 

Powdered gentian. 1 oz. 

Make into twelve powders, and give one in the food morning 
and night ; or, the sulphate of iron in two-drachm doses twice a day. 

The nasal cavities may be injected with a weak solution of sul- 
phate of zinc or of alum ; or of sulphate of copper, about five grains 
to an ounce of water. When the bone is diseased, and matter col- 
lected within the sinuses, it is necessary to trepan the bone. After 
operating, inject the sinus with tepid water twice or thrice a day, 
followed by injecting any of the astringents already recommended. 
The opened sinus sometimes fills up with a (ungus growth, which 
must either be removed by the knife or by means of caustics. 

I include here treatment reported in the Journal of Compara- 
tive Medicine and Surgery for January, 1SS3, by John Lindsay, 
D. V. S., of Huntington, Long Island, which has been so effective 
that I think it worth while to copy his report in full : — 




Fig. 797.— Nasal 
Gleet. 



EPIZOOTIC DISEASES. 473 

July 5, 1881, I was called to examine a horse at Clay Pits. Long Island. This 
animal was supposed to be suffering from glanders. As he was a valuable work- 
horse, the owner did not wish to destroy him without my advice. 

The horse was a bad case to look at. He was discharging very offensive matter 
from both nostrils, which had the odor of pus coming from a necrosed bone. The 
horse was much reduced in flesh and very weak. On examination I found him to 
be suffering from nasal catarrh, and on my stating this to the owner, he wished me 
to try to cure him. The disease was of three years' standing. At first I thought 
of trepanning, but having no instrument, I concluded to try injecting the nostrils, 
knowing from experience that if I could reach the necrosed bones with my solution 
I could make a cure. 

Mixing up one ounce of Calvert's crystallized carbolic acid No. 3, to one pint of 
water, I injected two ounces into each nostril twice daily. After three days of this 
treatment, there was a marked improvement, which after this was less pronounced; 
but there was a gradual and steady change for the better. At the end of two weeks 
the animal had improved much in general health, and at the end of four months was 
entirely cured, and there has been no return of the trouble up to date. 

July 24, 1882, I was called to see a horse suffering from a very offensive dis- 
charge from his nostrils of one year's duration. At times there was a marked sub- 
sidence of the discharge, followed by acute exacerbations. When I saw the case, it 
was in one of the acute attacks. Upon examination, I diagnosticated nasal catarrh. 

I ordered the same treatment as used in the above case, and in two months a 
cure was effected, with no recurrence. 

August 10, 1882, I was called to see a horse which could not breathe easily, and 
the owner feared the animal was developing heaves. The breathing was labored, 
and there was marked evidence of obstruction of the nasal passages. There was not, 
however, the double action of the flanks commonly observed in horses. Upon in- 
quiring, I found that two months previous to my visit the horse had suffered with a 
severe discharge from the nostrils, which had since ceased. But two weeks after the 
nasal discharge stopped, he had trouble in breathing. 

I came to the conclusion that the horse had been afflicted with chronic nasal 
catarrh, and that the turbinated bones were plugged with thick pus. He was placed 
under the same treatment as the other two cases, and in three days began sneezing, 
and blew from his nose two large masses of thick and cheesy pus, followed by a re- 
turn of the discharge. 

The continued use of the injections, however, terminated in a complete cure of 
the case in one month. 

Influenza — Epizootic — Catarrhal Fever. 
This disease has been so common since 1871, and it has caused 
such serious losses, that it may well be regarded with great appre- 
hension by owners. On this account I have been induced to make 
a special effort to obtain the most reliable and practical treatment 
for its successful management. So much depends, in the treatment 
of this disease, upon good conditions of care and nursing, that is, 
careful housing, keeping up the strength, etc., which in the country 
must be mainly dependent upon the owner, and it is so easy to cause 
the loss of a case by a little carelessness or bad treatment, that it is 
especially important to give such details as will enable a successful 



474 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

treatment of this disease. To accomplish this, I not only give the 
very best explanation of the difficulty and treatment directed by one 
of the most prominent veterinary surgeons of the country, but the 
treatment practiced by Dr. Meyer, who informed the writer that he 
had treated thousands of cases without losing a single one, compli- 
cations excepted ; that of true pink-eye he never lost a case, and 
consequently must be accepted as entirely reliable and of great 
value. 

Influenza, etc., belongs to the class of diseases called epizootic, 
which are distinguished by extending over a large tract of country, 
and attacking a number of horses at the same time. In its nature it 
resembles an epidemic form of catarrh, but it is essentially different, 
and is easily distinguished from that complaint by its epizootic 
character, and the marked prostration, and low typhoid form of 
fever which always accompanies it. It does not affect horses alike 
in all seasons ; some years it is apt to involve the lungs principally, 
with a marked tendency to dropsical effusion, whereas in others the 
liver and digestive organs are chiefly implicated. 

Causes. — It is usually supposed to arise from " atmospheric 
causes," — some changes which are said to exist in the atmosphere 
which are not easily explained. It occurs mostly in spring or au- 
tumn, and is most commonly seen in overcrowded, badly ventilated 
stables, situated in malarial districts. City horses are more liable 
to it than those in the country, and coarser breeds are more subject 
to it than finer breeds. Poor and overworked horses are especially 
subject to the fever. 

The disease at times comes on as an epizootic. While it is con- 
sidered decidedly contagious, many veterinarians claim no infec- 
tion. Dr. Meyer informed the writer that while the fever was at its 
hight, in one stable where the sanitary conditions were excellent, 
and containing one hundred and seventy horses, not an animal was 
taken with the fever ; while in badly ventilated stables, and under 
poor conditions, the disease was rampant. 

Symptoms. — It is early characterized by weakness, a quick, weak 
pulse, hot mouth, shivering, dullness, watery eyes. The lining 
membrane of the nose is reddened, accompanied by a watery dis- 
charge, which soon becomes thick and purulent, accompanied by 
sore throat and difficulty of swallowing ; the appetite is impaired, 
and the bowels costive. These symptoms, instead of abating, as in 
catarrh, increase, the breathing becomes hurried, and there is lifting 
of the flanks. The low form of fever is characteristic, as also its oc- 
curring in spring or fall, and attacking a number of animals in the 
same way, distinguishing it from common catarrh. 



PINK-EYE. 475 

In some seasons the lungs are primarily affected, and there is 
great weakness, with a tendency to dropsical effusion ; water ac- 
cumulates in the chest ; the heart and its coverings are seriously in- 
volved ; often the eyelids, lips, and whole head are greatly distended 
with fluid. In other cases the liver and bowels seem to suffer most, 
causing great thirst, general uneasiness, costive bowels, and light- 
colored feces, sometimes covered with slimy mucus, and rapid pros, 
tration. " When unfavorable termination occurs, the dullness in- 
creases to stupor, the extremities get colder, the breathing more 
difficult and abdominal, the pulse quicker, weaker, and more irregu- 
lar, until death supervenes." 

Pixk-Eye. 

Symptoms as Given by Dr. Meyer The symptoms are shown in a staggering gait, 

hanging head, trembling, shivering as from cold, loss of appetite, watery discharge 
from the eyes, one eye closed, especially the left one. The pulse is quiclcened and 
weak, from 50 to 60 in the minute, and the breathing is hurried, temperature 104° 
to 106°. The bowels are bound and the urine scanty. The disease is often compli- 
cated with bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, etc. A pinkish color of the mucous 
membrane of the e3-elids is always present in this disease. There is a discharge 
from the nostrils, swelling of the limbs, which are tender to the touch. The animal 
is weak, lying down most of the time. The body seems to be hot all over. The 
head hangs low, and the horse seems to be suffering from pneumonia. The only dif- 
ference between pink-eye and pneumonia is, that in the former the pink-eye is no- 
ticeable, and the horse lies down, while in the latter he does not." 

Treatment. — The general principles laid down for the treatment 
of common catarrh, are applicable to the treatment of influenza ; 
bleeding, purging, or any method of treatment that would tend to 
diminish the strength, must be avoided, as the debilitating tendency 
is great from the first. He should be placed in a loose box, the 
body clothed, and the legs bandaged. If noticed while the shiver- 
ing fit lasts, one or two ounces of acetate of ammonia may be given 
with advantage. The bowels should be gently opened by a pint of 
castor-oil and one or two drachms of calomel, supplemented by in- 
jections of soap and water. When the rigor has passed off, and the 
fever runs high, the fever medicine should be given in doses of fifteen 
to thirty drops, every hour and a half, or tincture of aconite in doses 
of about ten or twelve drops may be given. He should be encour- 
aged to drink water holding small doses of niter in soiution ; should 
he not drink it, he may have a few mouthfuls of water every 
hour or two, which of itself is excellent for reducing fever. He 
should have green food when procurable, or a little boiled oats, and 
bran mash, or anything else he will eat. When the throat is very 
sore, and the cough troublesome, rub on the throat a counter-irri- 



476 DISEASES A XI) THEIR TREATMENT. 

tant, as directed for sore throat, and give the following ball night 
and morning : — 

Camphor 1 dr. 

Opium \ Ax. 

Nitrate of potash 2 dr. 

Make into a ball with linseed meal and molasses. 
Should the lungs or bronchial tubes become involved, indicated 
by the heaving flanks and careful breathing, use counter-irritants of 
mustard or good strong liniment, or hot fomentations to the sides 
until there is relief, as directed for pneumonia. From the first, tonic 
treatment will be found beneficial in counteracting the debilitating 
tendency of the disease. 

When all inflammatory symptoms have disappeared, tonics will 
greatly aid the recovery. 

Br. Meyer's Treatment. — Good nursing and good air are indispensable ; the pa- 
tient should be well blanketed, and fed on anything he chooses to eat ; the stable 
should be purified by throwing air-slaked lime in the stalls, etc. ; and from the first, 
begin by giving the following remedies every eight hours ; — 

Carbonate of ammonia 1 oz. 

Cinchona bark, powdered 2 oz. 

Nux vomica, " J oz. 

Digitalis leaves, " 2 dr. 

Gentian root, " 3 oz. 

Mix and make into eight balls. 
Give as much water as the patient chooses to drink, to which add some saltpeter. 
About two ounces a day should be used. The above balls should be used after the 
second day by giving one morning and night ; when feeding is resumed, discontinue 
the remedies, and continue with good nursing. Will cure in six to eight days. 
Bathe with hot water and salt. 

It is also necessary to exercise quite slowly at first, as a very lit- 
tle overdoing or exposure is liable to bring on a relapse, which is 
almost sure to be fatal. 

Congestion of the Lungs, Pleurisy, Inflammation 
OF THE Lungs. 

It is explained in the article on "Circulation" (page 406), that 
when a horse is exposed to cold, or to conditions which derange 
the circulation, such as changes of temperature, especially after 
severe exertion or exhaustion, standing in a current of cold air, 
etc., thus forcing the blood from the surface of the body to the 
internal organs, it will in most cases go to the lungs and sur- 
rounding parts, when it would be termed pleurisy, pneumonia, or 
congestion of the lungs, with possible complications with other 
parts. 



CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. 



477 



This is so common, and fatal in its effect, if neglected or not 
treated properly, that it is very important to have the nature and 
treatment made so simple and plain to owners and stable-keepers 
that, in the absence of competent professional aid, they may easily 
understand and combat it successfully during its insipiency, when it 
can as a general thing be easily managed. 

We will first briefly consider the structures involved in pul- 
monary affections. The windpipe (trachea), after entering the 
chest, divides into the bronchia, or bronchial tubes. These divide 




Fig. 798. — Showing the Respiratory Organs. 

8. Trachea; 9. Esophagus; 10. Section of left bronchus; 11. Ramifications of right 
bronchus; 13. Right lung; 13. Lett lung seen from above; 14. Sternum; 16. Heart; 17. 
Posterior aorta ; 18. Anterior aorta. 

and subdivide into smaller tubes, finally terminating in the air- 
cells. The lungs are made up of clusters of these cells ; of a large 
mass of pulmonary texture called the parenchymatous structure 
or substance of the lungs ; of blood-vessels, both functional and 
for the nutrition of the organ ; of nerves and lymphatics ; and 
the whole inclosed in a serous membrane called the pleura, which 
is made up of two portions, one portion being reflected over the 
lungs (pleura pulmonalis), while the other lines the inside of the 
ribs and diaphragm (pleura costalis). The lungs are exceedingly 
light in proportion to their size, and are very vascular organs ; 
consequently they are very liable to diseases of an inflammatory 
character; and the precursor of inflammation is congestion. A good 
idea of the circulation in these parts can be obtained by a study of 
Fig. 804. 



478 



DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 



Bronchitis is inflammation of the lining membrane of the tubes 
of the lungs and lung cells, which 
is considered in another part of 
this work ; but as it is frequently 
connected with lung difficulties, I 
refer to it again in this connec- 
tion. 

Pleurisy is inflammation of the 
pleura (or serous membrane which 
covers the lungs and thoracic cav- 
ity}, before referred to. 

Pneumonia is an inflammation of 
the lung tissues, or parenchyma 
of the lungs. If we had bronchial 
pneumonia, we would have an in- 
flammation of the lining mem- 
brane of the tubes and the paren- 
chyma of the lungs ; if we had 
pleuro-pneumonia, we would have 
an inflammation of the pleura, or 
membrane, and the parenchyma, 
or tissues of the lungs. 

Congestion of the lungs consists 
in an increased determination of 
blood to the capillaries of the air- 
cells. When one or the other 
(right or left) lobe of the lungs is 
so engorged with blood forced into 
them that they are unable either 
to receive or discharge blood in 
proper quantities, thereby inter- 
fering materially with the process 
of respiration, it will, consequent- 
ly if allowed to go too far, cause 
direct suffocation and death. It 
may exist as an independent dis- 
ease, or accompany other affec- 
tions of the chest. The distin- 
guishing symptoms of each, with 
treatment, will be given farther 
on. In order to simplify the treat- 
ment, I refer next to the nature and effect of inflammation. 




Fig. 799. — Trachia and Bronchial Tubes. 



H, trachia ; I, ramifications of bronchial 
tubes ; L, cbobaic artery. 



CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. 



479 



It is first an increased action of the blood-vessels. The conse- 
quence is an increased amount of blood to the part. The next 
change to take place is a collapsed condition of the walls of the ves- 
sels. Now there follows an enlargement of the blood-vessels ; then 
the blood passes the walls of the vessels through the tissues outside 
of the vessels. The next change is the breaking down of the cellular 
tissues — normal cells ; next a rapid growth or proliferation of ab- 
normal cells. To go through symptoms : If an external injury, 
for example, there would be, first, pain caused by the pressure 
upon the nerves. The heat following would be caused by the 




Fig. 800. — Bronchial Tube, with its Bronchules and Ultimate Ramifications. Natural Size. 

chemical changes that are going on within the part. The redness 
is due to the passing of the blood from the vessels into the tissues ; 
the swelling is due to the breaking down of normal cells and the 
rapid formation of abnormal cells. The object in all cases, whether 
internal or external, is to equalize the circulation as quickly as 
possible. 

There are two methods of treatment : If we know the cause, 
as, for example, the animal having stood in a draught of air or 
been exposed to cold, chilling weather, alcoholic stimulants would 
be the best treatment, not only giving alcohol internally, but rub- 
bing it on the legs, and covering the body with warm blankets. 
Rub the elbows and hocks to the feet, with the hand or a brush, 



4.\0 



DISEASES A XL) THEIR TREATMENT. 



quickly, and cover with warm flannels. If not successful, or if 
inflammation, before explained, sets in, there will now be a rapid 
rise in temperature, when there may be a strong stanic pulse ; in 
that case sedatives would be required. Tincture of aconite has 
stood the test for years. About ten drops Fleming's tincture four 
or five times a day, with from an ounce to an ounce and a half of 
nitrate of potass divided into two powders and given, one in the 

morning and one at 
night, or the fever med- 
icine, hereafter given, 
can be used. 

In the early stage, 
external means of ir- 
ritation can be freely 
used with good results, 
but are not admissible 
when the disease has 
thoroughly set in, as 
they only aggravate 
the trouble. If the 
pulse is weak, stimu- 
lants are required, such 
as carbonate of am- 
m o n i a, 2 drachms ; 
camphor, pulverized, 1 
drachm ; and nitrate 
of potass (as before). 
Give in one dose three 
times a day — the potass to be given in water separately. (See also 
article on " Pulse.") 

The termination of inflammation will be either in resolution — 
that is, a clearing of the lungs, what is known as a gray hepatized 
state — or in a breaking down of lung tissue, which may develop into 
anabscess,or tubercles, or gangrene, or death of the lung tissues. 

If the horse is young, and strong, and vigorous, not as much 
stimulant should be used as for an old horse. 

If ammonia arises from bedding in stable, it should be neutral- 
ized by sprinkling on a little chloride of lime ; too much of it would 
have an aggravating effect upon the mucous membrane. 

Congestion of the Lungs. 
Syviptovis. — It is first noticeable by the horse having a severe 




Fig. 801. — Air-cells of Lung, with Intervening Tissue. 

a, Epithelium; b, Elastic trabecule ; c, MembraDOUs 
wall, with fine elastic fibers. 



COXJESTION' OF THE LUNGS. 



481 



chill or shivering fit. He refuses his food, hangs his head between 
his fore legs or upon the manger, will not move or lie down, 
breathing quick, panting-like. The nostrils are expanded, the head 
thrown forward ; the countenance expresses pain and great pros- 
tration. (See Fig. 802.) The pulse is sometimes full and quick, but 
generally quick and weak, scarcely perceptible ; the membrane of 
the nose and eyes bright red, tending to purple ; ears and legs are 
very cold, with a cold, clammy sweat at the extremities. 

When occurring after a hard ride or drive, the horse will be- 
come tired and sluggish in his action ; he will perspire profusely, 




Fio. Wi. — Horse with Congestion of the Lungs. 

and almost refuse to proceed, except with the greatest difficulty ; 
he will stand with his elbows turned outward, heaving violently 
at the flanks ; as before explained, the nostrils are dilated, and the 
ears and extremities cold ; the pulse is oppressed, or almost imper- 
ceptible at the jaw ; the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes 
are reddened. When of a milder nature, as often occurs in horses 
suffering from catarrh, which have been subjected to a fast drive and 
exposed to cold draughts, he is seized with a trembling fit ; the ears 
are cold, and the respiration hurried, when the ear applied to the 
chest can plainly detect the imperfect breathing. 

The inability of the horse to take sufficient air into the lungs, 
causes great and rapid prostration, and the horse will often, from 
extreme pain, lie down and get up, resembling colic (Sunnnervillc) ; 
but the Coldness of extremities, prostration, and condition of pulse, 
will, if carefully examined, enable an understanding of the real 



482 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



cause. A choking noise is sometimes heard coming from the throat. 
In some cases a little blood may be thrown from one or both nos- 
trils. Extreme prostration and laborious breathing, and bleeding 
from the nostrils, show a condition of severe congestion. 

Causes. — The most common cause is violent exertion when the 
horse is in an unfit state for severe work ; as, for instance, a horse in 
high condition is taken out of his stable and driven rapidly for five 




Fig. 803. — View of the Horse's Chest Indicating the Position of the Ribs and Extent 
of the Thorax over which Auscultation is Performed. 

or six miles ; this induces an increased quantity of blood to the 

lungs, more than they can dispose of in their weakened condition 

from want of regular exercise. It is also caused by impure air, 

in horses standing in crowded, badly ventilated stables, and is often 

a sequel of catarrh. 

Treatment. — In acute cases it must be energetic. Clothe the 

body well, and administer stimulants, as — 

Sulphuric etbor 2 oz. 

Laudanum 1 oz. 

To be given in half a pint of cold water ; or nitrous ether may be 

given in place of the sulphuric. 



rNEUMONIA. 



483 



If no medicinal agents can be conveniently procured, give a 
quart of warm ale, or a tumblerful of gin, whisky, or brandy, mixed 
up with hot water or sugar. Have him put into a warm place, with 
plenty of ventilation, as pure air is an indispensable adjunct in the 
treatment of all pulmonary diseases. If no relief follows, and there 
is danger of suffocatio.i, take from four to six quarts of blood from 
the neck vein, rub alcohol or other stimulant on the legs, rubbing 
well with the hand, and apply hot cloths to the sides and loins, and 
cover up with dry blankets, so as to induce a free perspiration, and 
thereby assist in relieving the lungs. 

There is some difference of opinion among practitioners in rela- 
tion to bleeding for congestion. Dr. Summcrville, who is a very 
able and successful practi- 
tioner, instructed the writer as 
follows: "If there is much con- 
gestion, it is necessary to give 
prompt relief, which can be 
done best by taking four to six 
quarts of blood quickly from 
the neck vein ; stimulate the 
sides and legs, and give fever 
medicine as for pleurisy." 
While he condemns bleeding 
for pleurisy or inflammation 
of the lungs, he says, " In a se- 
vere attack of congestion, 
bleeding cannot only be resorted to with safety, but, as above 
stated, is indispensable ; but must not be carried too far, merely to 
assist the lungs to throw off the load of blood forced upon them, and 
to give the medicine prescribed a chance to operate." Prof Will- 
iams also advises the same treatment. While he condemns bleed- 
ing as a general rule, he advises, where congestion is so great as to 
endanger asphj-xia, bleeding a little* (from four to six quarts) 
promptly. 

Pneumonia — Inflammation of the Lungs, 

as before explained, is inflammation of the substance of the lungs. 
Causes. — It is often a sequel of neglected or improperly treated 
catarrh. It may also, as stated, be accompanied by pleurisy. A 
frequent, and we may say the most common, cause is exposing the 
horse while warm to a sudden change of temperature, by allowing 
him to stand in a cold draught of air, etc. ; getting chilled or wet ; 




Fig. BOi. — Arrangement of the Capillaries 
around the Air-cells. 



48i DISEASES AiVD THE Hi TREATMEXT. 

washing the belly and legs immediately after exercise and allow- 
ing the horse to get chilled ; removing from a warm to a cold or 
from a cold to a warm stable ; or cold applied to the surface of a 
heated animal, by which the blood is driven from the skin and ex- 
tremities to the internal organs. Any slight cold or sore throat 
may run into pneumonia. Driving rapidly against a cold wind, es- 
pecially after being confined to the stable for some time, is a com- 




FiG. 805. — Usual Position of the Horse when Suffering from Shivering. 

mon cause, and a horse should be watched carefully after such an 
exposure ; also breathing impure air in overcrowded, badly ventilated 
stables, or standing in an open, draughty stable. 

Any exposure to cold and wet, sudden chills, housing in very cold, draughty 
stables. Horses kept in ill-ventilated stables are undoubtedly rendered susceptible 
to many diseases, and to pneumonia among the rest ; but they will bear impure air 
even better than cold draughts blowing directly upon them. I have repeatedly ob- 
served that the slightest cold contracted by a horse kept in a draughty stable has 
almost invariably been succeeded by pneumonia, and that if the animal was not re- 
moved to a more comfortable situation, the disease tended to a fatal termination. 
— Williams. 

Symptoms. — Pneumonia is almost invariably ushered in by 
shivering, and coldness of the surface of the bod\-. The breathing 
becomes hard and full, panting-like. The pulse is full and oppressed, 
running up to from sixty to eighty beats per minute, differing in its 
character from the pulse of pleurisy, which is hard and wiry. The 
ears and legs are cold ; the membranes of the eyes and nose a.re 



PNEUMO}^UA. 



485 




reddened ; the animal stands persistently with his elbows turned 
out, to give more freedom to the lungs. He stands with his nose 
toward the window or door, where he can get fresh air. 

A healthy horse breathes at an average of ten times in a min- 
ute, viz., ten inspirations and ten 
expirations ; and the time occu- 
pied by the inspiratory movement 
is longer than the expiratory. In 
pneumonia the expiration is as 
long, if not longer, than the in- 
spiration, and these movements 
are very much quickened, being 
an effort of nature to compensate 
for the impaired action of the 
lungs. When a cough is present, 
it is freer and less painful than 
the cough of pleurisy. By ap- 
plying the ear to the sides of the chest, in the early stage a crep- 
itating sound is heard, which becomes altered as the disease pro- 
gresses ; but in a general sense it is easily distinguished by the horse 
standing with the legs spread, the head thrown forward, breathing 

quick and hard, and ears and legs 
cold. 

Ti-catiiicnt. — Blanket warmly 
and put in a comfortable stall 
where there will be pure air, and 
give the following fever medi- 
cine : — 



Fig. 806.— As the Horse Usually Stands when 

Suffering from Inflammation of the 

Lungs. From Mayhew. 




Tincture of aconite 1 oz. 

Tincture of belladonna. . . 2 drs. 
Water 3 oz. 



Fig. 807.— Horse In the Last Stages of 
Inflammation of the Lungs. Mayhew. 



Of this give from 15 to 30 drops on the 
tongue every 20 or 30 minutes, or about 
10 drops tincture of aconite every two hours, more or less, according to the severity 
of the case. If the case is severe, apply strong stimulants to the legs, breast, and 
sides of the chest, as before explained, such as mustard made into a paste and rubbed 
in thoroughly, or a liniment composed of aqua ammonia reduced one half with water, 
and rubbed in well so as to invite circulation to surface and extremities. 

Blankets wrung out of hot water applied to the sides in the 
early stage (for details see "Fomentations"), is preferred by many. 
If this is done at the time the fever sets in, either in pneumonia or 
pleurisy (the treatment for which is practically the same), with a 
few doses of the fever medicine, it is rarely the horse will not be re- 



486 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



lieved next day ; but if not, recovery will not commonly take place 
before the fifth or sixth day. Give from 2 to 3 drachms nitrate of 
potass two or three times a day. When there is improvement, 
which will be denoted by the pulse becoming full and regular and 
the expression and actions being lively, give less fever medicine 
and at longer intervals. Should too much be given, it will be 
noticed by falling of the pulse, sweating, trembling, and anxious 
eye, when it should be discontinued, and stimulants would be 
indicated. 

Nurse by giving simple food, such as a little bran with boiled 
oats, linseed meal, cooked carrots, with a little good hay. If there 
is much weakness, give moderate doses of whisky or brandy, 
from 4 to 6 ounces two or three times a day, being governed by its 
effects. If the bowels are bound, move them by enemas. Re- 
covery will be greatly aided by the use of stimulants and tonics ; 
liquor acetate of ammonia in 2 ounce doses three or four times a 
day, may be used. 

The best veterinary surgeons now all agree that bleeding is 
not only unnecessary but injurious in treating pneumonia and 
pleurisy. 

Pleurisy. 

As before stated, pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura. 
Symptoms. — It may be sudden or gradual in its attack, the 

horse showing indisposition, 
sometimes for days previous. 
He will be dull and heavy in 
action for a day or two, un- 
willing to lie down, pulse not 
much disturbed, or there is a 
chill, or shivering fit, which 
lasts from one to three hours, 
when fever sets in ; breath- 
ing at flanks a little accel- 
erated, countenance is anx- 
ious, the head is sometimes 
turned toward the side ; does not lie down. As the disease ad- 
vances, the symptoms become more marked. The ears and legs 
become cold ; the pulse, from being a little accelerated, grows 
quicker, hard, and full ; the head is hung forward ; stands up per- 
sistently ; breathing hurried; the membrane of the nose and eyes 
red. 




I. — Usual Appearance ot a Horse Suffering 
from Pleurisy. From Mayhew. 



PLEURISY. 



487 







Fig. 809. — The Pleura as it Appears 
when Inflamed, Magnified. 



Turning the horse round, or hitting against the chest, back of 
the shoulder, will cause a kind of grunt. 

The ear applied to the chest will 
detect a rough, rasping noise, and 
■ there is generally present a short, 
painful, suppressed cough, easily ex- 
cited by pressure on the larynx. 

Causes are similar to those of 
pneumonia, such as variations in 
temperature, exposure to cold while 
warm, standing in a draught of cold 
air, impure air, etc. Pleurisy occurs 
as an independent disease, or, as be- 
fore stated, may be accompanied by 
inflammation of the lungs. If neg- 
lected or not treated properly, is a very dangerous disease. 

Treatment is practically the same as for pneumonia. Put in a 
cool, well-ventilated stall ; give fever med- 
icine ; blanket the body, neck, and legs 
warmly; if at all serious, using stimulants 
on the extremities, and hand-rubbing thor- 
oughly, with hot fomentations to the sides ; 
j|y^ the general treatment, in a word, is the 
same as for pneumonia. Should there be 
cough, or soreness of the throat, it is to be 
treated in connection, as directed for lar- 
yngitis. 

I wish now to call attention to what must 
not be done. First, give no physic nor oil 
for any form of inflammation of the lungs Cathartic medicine is 
poisonous, such as aloes, oils, or 
tartar emetic. There is so much 
nausea during the operation of 
these medicines, and debility 
from their effect, thVt they do 
harm. There is such great sym- 
pathy between the bowels and 
the lungs, that they hasten the 
cause of inflammation of the 
lungs, often causing death with- 
in a few hours after administer- 
ing them. Next, do not bleed 




Fig. 810.— Section of Pleura 
Showing Blood vessels Great- 
ly Injected with Blood. 



— -"^*=r^S''!?s>C„ 




Fig. 811,— Showing Adhesive Inflammation 
of the Pleura. 



4KH 



DISICASICS AM) Til Ell! Tl; i:.\T M KXT. 



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iniiiln to inipvii Hiiddniily, nHpiTlally \nrn\n\i, hlioil, iiroiiMil. Minin Im a (^roaii or Krnwl. 
HrnallilliK <|llli'U or i'mIi'IiIiik llkn iiiid hIioiI. Ofli'ii tint tIkIiI nidn only U allVrlnd, 

TrmlMimt. Ilol apiillitiil.loriH to llin clini't,. 'I'IiIh inn Im donn lunt, liy wrln^liiK 
lilanlciitM (lilt (if hill, water and applyliiK tliniii to llin iliitnl. two or llintn liliiiiKntH. 
oiin ovnraiKit.liitr. and nil rovnicd witli oII-iIdIIi or olliir lilanUnl.H no an to Imnp In llm 
liniit. Kill) lliiiliH with ali'oliol ; tiny iiiiiy alno lin looNnly liandiiKnd. Oim of llin 
followln^i: InillM nlionlil Im kIvcii nvi'iy rl|.dil. InnirH : - 



490 DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 

Powdered opium J oz. 

Muriate ammonia. 1 j oz. 

Powdered cliincona barli 3 oz. 

Mix and make into six balls. 

Give the animal anything he will eat or drink. If the horse is taken during the 
early stages, this will cut it short in from 48 to 60 hours. 

If in an after stage swelling begins to show itself below the chest walls, that is, 
between the fore legs, and extending backward, shows the least symptom of the 
trouble known as hydrothorax, give the following remedy: Fluid extract digitalis, 
from twenty to twenty-five drops, more or less according to the size of the horse, 
every four hours, and continue until the swelling begins to lessen, then the intervals 
of giving the drops should be lengthened to eight hours. If the swelling is very 
large, the skin should be punctured in from twentj- to thirtj"- places, and the parts 
bathed with hot water three or four times a day. 

Hydrothorax, or Water in the Chest. 

This is a sequel of pleurisy when neglected or not treated 
properly, and which can scarcely be said to be curable. When 
pleurisy is running into this difficulty, there may be some appear- 
ance of recovery ; the breathing and fever are not so intense ; the 
horse will perhaps eat a little ; the skin looks sleek and glossy ; 
these signs of improvement may continue for several days, but if the 
pulse is gradually increasing in frequency, and its strength diminish- 
ing, there is undoubtedly water forming in the chest. 

When this has taken place to any great extent, there is diffi- 
culty in breathing, and a flapping of the nostrils ; the eyes are clear 
and unnaturally prominent ; the intercostal spaces bulge out, and 
the ear applied to the chest can only detect the respiratory mur- 
mur above the surface of the fluid ; the legs and breast will swell ; 
the circulation becomes more and more impaired, the pulse getting 
weak and indistinct. 

Prof. W'illiams states, in relation to the cause of hydrothorax : 
"Of the termination of pleuro-pneumonia in hydrothora.x, I have 
only to say that since I have abandoned the heroic or counter-irri- 
tating treatment [he advises hot fomentations to the chest ; discards 
all blisters and irritants], hydrothorax has been almost unknown to 
me. For this the principle of treatment is stimulants, tonics, and 
diuretics." I give the treatment of a leading authority, who advises 
as follows : — 

Give a pint of warm ale combined with one ounce of nitrous ether three times 
a day; blisters applied to the .sides, and iodide of potassium in 1 drachm doses twice 
a day; feed the animal on nutritious and easily digested food. 

When a large accumulation of fluid takes place, it must be removed by tapping. 
The puncture is usually made in the intercostal space between the seventh and elev- 
enth ribs, near the junction with the cartilages. The space between the eighth and 



TYPHOID FXEUMOKIA. 491 

ninth is usually recommended. An incision is first made with a lance through the 
skin, the trochar and canula is carefully pushed through the muscles and pleura, 
directed slightly upward and backward, keeping it close to the anterior border of the 
ninth rib, so as to avoid wounding the intercostal artery; when the trochar is with- 
drawn, the fluid flows freely through the tube ; sometimes it gets obstructed by co- 
agula of lymph, which should be cleared by inserting a small whalebone staff. 
Care must be taken not to allow air to enter the cavity, as death has often occurred 
from this cause during the operation. It is advised before making the incision to 
draw the skin aside so as to form a valvular wound, at the same time taking care to 
prevent the entrance of any air. The operation may be repeated in a day or two on 
the other side ; but in most cases the relief is but temporary. In any event tonic 
treatment, such as sulphate of iron, tincture of gentian, stimulants and diuretics, 
iodide of potassium, are to be depended upon if successful. 

Hydrothorax was a very common result of pleurisy, when 
treated by bleeding, blistering, etc. The congestion or inflamma- 
tion in the first place is due to debility, and bleeding only increases 
it ; and especially when the bleeding is repeated, though for a time 
there was apparent relief, fever and increased debility followed, re- 
sulting usually unfavorably. 

The treatment advised for pleurisy, if the case is attended to 
promptly, even though very severe, will be found so effective as to 
leave but little probability of any serious effusion taking place. 

Typhoid Pneumonia. 

Cause is mainly attributed to those influences which interfere 
with the general health and vigor of the animal, among which stand 
pre-eminently overcrowding, improper ventilation, confinement in 
damp, filthy stables, drinking bad water, holding in solution decom- 
posing, organic matters, insufficient nourishment, and undue expos- 
ure, together with what may be termed, generally, atmospheric 
causes. 

Syviptovis. — The horse is off his feed, disinclined to move, 
appetite gone, pulse weak and low ; will sometimes eat a little, will 
not lie down, stands hanging his head, is listless and stupid, not 
much cough, rarely any discoloration of the membrane of the nose 
or eyes ; urine scanty and high colored ; feces hard and coated. 
After two or three days the membrane of the nose and eyes is a 
little discolored or red, pulse quicker, 65 or 70, breathes quicker. 
About the fourth or fifth day there is usually a discharge from the 
nostrils, of a blackish brandy-colored serum. 

Treatment. — As the word typhoid means low, it is necessary to 
watch it carefully in that stage, which will last, as described in the 
symptoms, the first four or five days, when in many cases the pulse 
may run down to thirty. Stimulants should be used at this st^ge, 



4!)2 J>/S/:\tS/:'S AM) Til I- 1 1: Tl! F. AT MHXT. 

siicli as a lilllc liiMiuly and vv.itii- nr w liisk\- ami u.itcr. A ^ill or 
two of 11(111111 In Ik- ).;ivcii as a diciu li ; dr what is much l)cttcr, 
take I .irl)iiiialf nC aiiiiiiiiiiia, iVnm mic In tun di.u Inns, pnu ilcicd 
tjint;iT runt, mu- to two diaihius, inadr into a hall with lioiu-y 
or molasses, and |,nvi-n twiit- a day. it shmild he icincinhircd 
that this treatment alone is intended only Inr the Imv sla.i;e 
of tlu- disease. When the |iiiKc snins tn lisc to til'ty or sixty 
ahoiil the fiftll or sixth day, the patinil slnuild then he treated as 
liir plemisy, with le\er niediiine. I'nder the inlliieiiee of the latter 
treatment the imlse will leeede and resume its natural number of 
heats (liiit\ 1. Ill tliis fnrm nf disease the horse is extremely pros- 
trated at liist, the whole s_\stem hein^; inactive. The ])ulse may run 
up in time to seventy, or even eij^hty. 

The horsi' should be kept moder.itely w.irm, clolhinj^ thoroi'ii^hly 
the he. id, nei 1^, .ind e\l remit ies ; he should h.ive a Comfortable, well- 
\'eiil il.ited St. ill ; open tile bowels by ciiciu.is ; {.jive tepid water to 
drink, in w hieh is ,i little nit i .ite i if potash, as advised for pneumonia. 
Nurse ihe horse with anjthiuj.; he will e.it, — ;i handful of wet hay, a 
cariiit or two, .in .ipple or a potato, or anything; of an alterative 
n.iture. 

He e.ireliil not to e.xercise loo soon, 

Hki iM III ris. 

HroiK'hitis, or inll.imm.itinn nf the miienus nuinbrane of the 
brniuhi.d tubes, is often ass(jciated with inll, iinm.it ion of tlu' liin^js, 
but also occurs as a separate affeetinn. 

Causes are similar to nt her puliiinn.u)- dise.isis. It is a result 
of laryngitis or catarrh ; or il ni.iy depend on atmospheric inllu- 
enccs, and in these cases il is .dwa_\'s accnnip.inied with i;ie.it we.tk- 
ncss and prostration. 

Syi>if>toiiis. — There is .i short, drv, .md hiiskj' couL;h, speedily 
becomiuL;' more prolonL;ed. When ,i horse gives a natural cough, 
he ojiens his mcuith .i little ; but w lun l.iboriiig iiiuier this disease, 
he keei>s his mouth closed, tiyiiii.; to suppress tlu' cough. As the 
disoase aiU'.uues, the mouth becomes hot .iiiil dry, Ihe e,irs and ex- 
tremities alternately hot anil ct)ld, the pulse not hard and wiry as in 
pleurisy, but soft and compressible, and the respirations are cpiick 
and llollow. If ihe e.ir be applied to the bre.ist, a r.ittling sound 
can easil)' be detected ; the bowils .ire iiKictive, and the a])petite is 
gone. Death may occur in from three to five ilays. 

Trcatiucut the same as for I. iryngitis, explained on page 455; 
counter-irritation to the thro.it, and if there is fever, give fever med- 



corjn. 493 

iciiic nr a(()iiilc, as for piu'umoni.i. ICtlic couj^li is very dislrcssiiij;', 

[rivr tile Inllnwinj^r cvfl')' iii5_;lil ami lllninill^ : — 

E.vlriict (if l)cllail()iiim 1 dr. 

I'owdoicd (li(,'itiillH 2 Hcr. 

CiiriiplKir 1 ilr. 

I'liWlllTod (i|>il]|ll 1 H<T. 

Coi.ic. 

Tlic-rc is IK) disease ahoiil uliic li llni-e seems to l)e so iiim li (jif- 
fcrence of opinion amoiijr horsemen as that of tolie. Winn llie 
horse is taken side snddeniy, showinyf the symptoms of colir, tlie 
owner, or some mij^dibor lallcd in wlio is presumed to i<iiou', is most 

]'"i(i. Hi!.'. — Digoslivo Apparatus. 

likely to assume- tin: li'ouhle is caused l>y hots ; anolln r pciiia|)s be- 
lieves it is Ijelly-ache ; wliili- others who may be pr<;sent are likely 
to be equally ])ositivc in su])|)osinfj llu; trouble to be caused by 
somcthinff else. 'I'lu- treat mint, loo, is usually on the same iirinci- 
ple, eciually doidjllul, if not lidii nious. The first and most common 
remedy is plunf,nnj,'' a knife into the roof of the- horse's moutii to i)lei;d, 
" so as to i(ive blood to tlir hal s, or rcliriu' llir < ulir, or w/uitriifr it is " ; 
this hai)-hazard cuttiiif^ is li.able lo srvc r the jialale arlcry, and cii- 
dan^^erthe horse's bleedin^r tn death, 'riie mxt resourci: is likely to 
be that of runiung the hors<- up and down the street, or kickiiij^ him 
in the belly, ^ivin^ sweet milk and molasses, etc. No one woidd 
pretend to be .able to e.xplain dilinitely the nature of tin- Iroidile; 
but they /)r/ii-,>((/ it was this, that, or somclhin;( else, ,incl the conse- 
ciuence was that the poor horse was liabK; to be tnrlnird for hours. 



494 



DISEASES A XI) THE Hi Til EAT 21 EXT. 



often killed, by cruelty or repeated dosing with remedies that were 
not applicable to the case. While it is true a horse may show the 
symptoms of colic, from a variety of causes, which would mislead 
the judgment of even good practitioners, it is so exceptional as to 
be scarcely worth referring to here. 

It was stated in another part, by the writer, that he employed 
a veterinary surgeon of unusual skill and experience to instruct him 
in his method of treatment for the cure of such diseases as are most 
common and dangerous to horses in this country, including the 
prescriptions used by him for the same. 

The first morning, while waiting in the office for the commence- 
ment of this instruction, the doctor 
came in hurriedh-, saying, "There 
is a horse here that has the colic ; 
I wish you to observe his condition 
carefully ; notice what will be done 
for him ; in the meantime read ev- 
ery authority in the librarj' on the 
causes and symptoms of colic, but 
do not read the treatment, as the 
treatment given in books is not re- 
liable, and would only mislead you." 
As directed, I noticed care- 
fully the condition of the case and 
uie effect of the treatment, which was favorable. In the meantime 
I read up on the subject, and that evening I was given a lecture on 
colic, when the doctor informed the writer that he had killed hun- 
dreds of horses before he knew how to treat it successfully ; and 
that the treatment given in books, and generally advised, could not 
be depended upon to cure colic with anything like certainty ; that 
even veterinary surgeons of very high standing could not feel any 
certainty of being able to cure colic ; that it was found especially 
difficult to cure flatulent colic, or tympanites. " Now," said he, "we 
can cure every case that comes into this stable, if we can have an 
opportunity of treating them within a reasonable length of time, or 
before there is a collapsed condition of the circulation. 

The opportunities for treating colic in the Infirmary were very 
many. The Erie Canal heads at that place, which necessarily con- 
centrated a large number of canal horses in the vicinity, which, 
with those of the city, brought to the Infirmary almost every day a 
number of horses suffering with colic ; and during my experience 
there of a year, there was not a single death from this cause ; and 




Fig. 813.— First Stages Of Spasmodic 
Colic Somewliat Exaggerated. Mayliew. 



COLIC. 



495 



since then, extending over a period of twenty years, I have used the 
same treatment in the cure of a great many cases, and had it used 
under my supervision, without the loss of a single case ; this treat- 
ment I give first, having the utmost confidence in its great value. 

There are two forms of this disease, namely, spasmodic and flat- 
ulent colic. The first is wholly of a spasmodic nature, and if not 
promptly relieved, will, in severe cases, run into inflammation of the 
bowels, causing speedy death. The second, while exhibiting the 
same general symptoms, shows marked enlargement of the belly, 
from generation of gas, which, if not checked and neutralized, results 




Fig. 814. — First Stage of Spasmodic Colic. 

fatally, by rupturing the diaphragm, causing suffocation and death. 
The advantage of this treatment for colic was, first, in making a 
fair trial of the best antispasmodic, laudanum ; then, if it failed to 
give relief, or if there was relapse, bleeding promptly, which not 
only gave relief with more certainty, but prevented a tendency to 
inflammation, thereby making a cure when medicine proved unavail- 
ing. Second, in giving peppermint for flatulent colic. He found by 
experiment that peppermint was the only remedy he could depend 
upon for neutralizing the distending gas ; and its combination with 
ether, as the best for giving relief. 

Causes. — The common causes of colic are a sudden change in 
the feed ; very often during the summer, when running at pasture. 



496 DISEASES A .YD THEIR TREAT ME XT. 

if taken up for a day, and a feed of oats or dry food given, it is apt 
to cause gripes ; feeding new oats or new corn is a common cause ; 
applications of cold water to the body ; drinking freely of cold 




Fig. 815. — Second Stage of Spasmodic Colic. 

water when heated, especially if hard well-water, often gives rise 
to a severe attack ; worms and other intestinal irritants may induce 
it ; costiveness and unwholesome food often cause it ; overloading 




Fig. 816. —Third Stage of Spasmodic Colic. 

the stomach, or being put to work on a full stomach, will give 
rise to it. 

Symptoms. — The animal is suddenly seized with pain in the 
bowels, becoming restless and uneasy, crouching, sometimes strik- 
ing up toward the belly with the hind foot, looking round to his 



COLIC. 



497 



flanks, evincing great distress ; he gets down after several apparent 
efforts, rolls about, sometimes on his back, sometimes quite over.* 
(These symptoms are in part illustrated by Figs. 814-816, which 
are ideal, but will serve to give an idea of the symptoms. Fig. 813, 
which I copy from Mayhew, is considerably exaggerated, the head 
being held too high, showing too excited and nervous an expression, 
and the hind leg brought too near the body. Fig. 81-i shows a com- 
mon symptom during the early stage.) Profuse perspiration breaks 
out over him. The paroxysm soon passes off, and he gets up, shakes 
himself, and begins feeding ; during the interval the pulse is unal- 




FiGs. 817, 818. — Forms of Graduated Hypodermic Syringe Frequently used in Treating Colic. 

tered ; the legs and ears are natural in temperature. After an in- 
terval of longer or shorter duration, the attack returns, perhaps with 
increased violence, when he gathers himself, falls down and rolls 
about as before. As the disease advances, the symptoms become 
more severe. 

Youatt, in his description of colic, contrasts its symptoms with 
those of inflammation of the bowels, and though not exactly accord- 
ing to modern authorities, it will materially aid the reader in de- 
termining the difference ; so I include it. I would also refer the 



*He may also act as if he wanted to make water, which he cannot do, there being a spas- 
modic contraction of the urethra. Hence the desire to give diuretic medicine. Straining in 
this way is usually prompted by a desire to relieve the muscles of the belly. No diuretic medi- 
cine should be given, as the horse cannot pass urine until the attack of colic ceases, or it is 
taken from him with a catheter. It is very seldom necessary to use the catheter. In fact, it 
is not necessary to p.ay any attention to this symptom. As soon as relieved of the colic, the 
horse will pass water freely. 

33 a 



498 DISEASES AXD THE 1 1! THE ATM EXT. 

reader to the description of each by Dr. Meyer, which follows on 
page 5011. 

COLIC. INFL-^MMATIOX. 

Sudden in its attack. Gradual in its approach, with pre- 
vious indications of fever. 

Pulse rarely much quickened in the Pulse very much quickened, but 

early stage of the disease and during small, and often scarcely to be felt, 
the intervals of ease, but evidentlj' 
fuller. 

Legs and ears of natural temperature. Legs and ears cold. 

Relief obtained from rubbing the Belh' exceedingly tender to th,e 

belly. touch. 

Relief obtained from motion. Motion evidently increasing the pain. 

Intervals of rest. Constant pain. 

Strength scarcely affected. Rapid and great weakness. 

If not checked, or there is not relief, it runs into inflammation 
of the bowels, which is very fatal, and the point is to combat and 
overcome it before running so far as to resist treatment. 

This disease being wholly of a spasmodic character, it must be 
counteracted by antispasmodic treatment ; and laudanum being 
the most powerful and reliable antispasmodic, it is indicated. 

Treatment. — Give from two to three ounces of laudanum and a 
pint of raw linseed oil.* If not better in an hour, give two ounces 
of laudanum and the same quantity of oil. If there is not relief in a 
reasonable time after the second dose is given, take from six to 
twelve quarts of blood from the neck vein, according to the size of 
the horse and the severity of the attack. t Always in bleeding make 
the orifice large, and extract the blood as quickly as possible. 

In the Infirmary the practice was, as stated, to try the medicine, 
and as soon as convinced it was not sufficient to relieve the case, no 
time was lost in bleeding. Or, if a case was brought in that had 
been suffering some time, not only medicine was given, but bleeding 
was resorted to at once. 

TV.MPANITES, OR FLATULENT COLIC. 
Symptoms the same as in spasmodic colic, with the difference of 

* This is the dose advised for a large horse. For a medium or small-sized, nervous-tem- 
pered animal, two thirds the quantity would be equally large. 

f It will rai-ely be found necessary to resort to bleeding if the case is attended to promptly, 
and in only very serious cases, where the horse is fat and large, is so large a quantity of blood 
to be taken. In ordinary cases, six to eight quarts would be sufficient. 



TYMPANITES, OR FLATULENT COLIC. 



499 



there being so great an accumulation of gas in the stomach and in^ 
testines that the belly is swelled. This disease will often prove fatal 
in from one to three hours. It is generally very sudden in its at- 
tacks, often occurring while the ani- 
mal is at work, particularly dur- 
ing warm or changeable weather ; 
but it is generally caused by in- 
digestion, producing gases in the 
bowels and stomach.* 

Treatment. — Blanket comforta- 
bly, so as to keep up evaporation, 
and immediately give the following 
as a drench : — 

Peppermint 2 oz. 

Sulphuric etlier. 2 oz. 

Water. 1 pt. 

Shake up thoroughly, and keep covered with the hand or cork 
before administering. If not relieved, it should be repeated in one 




Fig, 819.— Early Stage of Flatulent Colic. 




Fig. 830. — Advanced Stage of Flatutent Colic, or Tympanites. 



* Tbere are two locations for this disease, the stomach and the colon and ccecuni ; but in 
either it requires the same treatment, as it is generally produced by the same causes. When 
in the stomach, it wi!l be distinguished by eructations, or belchings of gas through the oesopha- 
gus, or gullet. If in the colon or coecum, the horse is violently swollen along the l)ell3', flanks, 
and sides. The pulse is rarely disturbed until the disease advances, when it will become quick- 
ened, running to its bight qnickly, and receding as rapidly, if fatal. If to terminate fatally, It 
will become weaker and slower until it is almost imperceptible. If the animal is allowed to fall 
down suddenly, while the pressure of gas upon the walls of the stomach is very great, there is 
a liability of rupturing the diaphragm, which would cause almost instant death from suffoca- 
tion. 



500 JJISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 

half to three quarters of an hour. If the horse is small, and the 
attack not severe, less may be given ; while if very large, and the 
attack severe, even more may be given.* 

During my practice of late years, when I had a case of colic, I 
usually gave the following preparation : — 

Peppermint 1 J to 2 oz. 

Sulphuric ether H to 2 oz. 

Laudanum 1 oz. 

Soft water 1 pt. 

After shaking thoroughly, I gave this immediately. I have 
found it in all cases to give relief It is particularly valuable to 
non-professional men who cannot, during the early stage, tell the 
difference between spasmodic and flatulent colic, and on this account 
it is the preparation the writer would advise. Stable-keepers should 
always keep it on hand, in readiness for an emergency, as it is very 
important to be able to treat this disease promptly. 

If the horse is subject to attacks of colic, which are usually pro- 
duced by irritating matter in the bowels, it can usually be relieved by 
giving one or two sharp doses of phasic. 

Dr. Meyer's method of treatment is so good, explaining as it does 
some symptoms, with other points of treatment not given, that I in- 
clude it in full : — 

First, there is a switching of the tail, foUowea bj' a pawing with the fore feet, 
and acting as if there were an inclination to lie down. Usually gets down and rolls, 
looks at the belly, rolls, then up again, and seems at rest for a few minutes, when 
he goes through the same actions again. The pulsation is full and strong, about 
natural. By looking at the inner surface of the eyelid there will be some sign of in- 
flammation. When the attack is running into inflammation of the bowels, or be- 
comes seated, there will be an inclination to sweat, an anxious expression in the eye, 
increased respiration, the pulsations from 70 to 80, small and weak. The inner lining 
of the eyelid will be plainly injected or reddened, the animal at times looking toward 
the flanks; walks almost in a circle ; makes attempts to lie down, coming down 
about half way, gets up and waits around again, which may be repeated a number 
of times ; finally succeeds in getting down, which he does very carefully, then will 
lie outstretched for a few moments : will make an attempt to rise, and will sit up like 
a pig, as shown on page 504. 

In colic, the horse throws himself down carelessly, rolls around In a careless 
manner, and then jumps up, — an important sign of death. After the case has been 
treated for some time, he may seem easier ; but if allowed to have his own way, and 
be wanders off to some unusual place, it is positive proof that he is beyond medical 
aid. 

Treatment for Colic. — 2 ounces laudanum, J ounce spirits of camphor or 1 drachm 
gum camphor, 2 ounces sweet spirits of niter, 2 drachms fluid ex. belladonna. Mix 

*The etlier disturbs the breatliing, making the horse apparently distressed, breathing la- 
boriously, which will pass off in a few hours. 



TYMtANITES, OR FLATULENT COLIC. 501 

with one half pint of water, and give as a drench. If the patient is no better in one 
hour, repeat, and, if constipated, use warm water injections. 

"Flatulent colic, treatment the same as above. In the early stage, if aftei 
about half an hour the patient seems no better, give two ounces of essential harts- 
horn in water, with warm water enema. If by this time there is no flatus, or break- 
ing of wind, and the animal's abdomen or belly is very much distended, and is belch- 
ing up air out of the nostrils, and commences to tremble in his legs, an operation will 
have to be performed. Take a lance or knife and make a slight incision through 
the skin on the right flank, (the ox is always punctured on the left flank, and the 
horse on the right,) at a point where the tympanitic sound is most marked. As a 
rule, this point is midway between the edge of the last rib and the hip bone, and 
about six inches from the lateral processes of the spine — about where the cross mark 
is on Fig. 823. Take trocar and canula, put the point into the incision previously 
made with the knife. Direct the instrument inward, slightly downward and for- 
ward, and hit it a sharp blow with the flat of the hand to send the instrument 
through to the hilt. Now draw out the trocar, when the gas will escape. When the 
e.scape of gas has ceased, put a finger over the opening of the canula to prevent the 
air from filling in, and withdraw. When withdrawn, rub slightly with the finger 
over the wound, and leave it alone. Before performing the operation, give four 
ounces of vegetable charcoal which has been kept dry. mixed with one quart of 




Fig. 821. — Trocar and Canula. 

milk. The horse will have instant relief after the operation. It he remains quiet, 
feed nothing for about twelve hours. Give flaxseed tea to drink. After the expira- 
tion of this time, feed bran mashes, with oatmeal or ground oats, and continue from 
four to six days, when the animal will be well. When there is no hope by medicine, 
this operation is the only treatment that promises success. Should the horse be un- 
easy after the operation, give one of the balls used for inflammation of the bowels, 
which should be repeated once in from four to six hours until quiet. 

During the warm months Dr. Meyer usually performs this oper- 
ation from twenty-five to thirty times, to save life. His loss is about 
one in ten. 

I would add that during my experience in Buffalo, I had no oc- 
casion to perform this operation, the treatment given proving in 
every instance effective. This operation, according to standard 
authorities, has been regarded as seldom successful. I think the 
reason is that the case has been allowed to go too long before re- 
sorting to it. In a conversation with Dr. Meyer in relation to it, he 
stated that he regarded it as very valuable treatment, enabling him 
to cure a large proportion of cases which otherwise would be beyond 
help. As it may in some cases be found necessary to perform this 
operation, I give a diagram of the body, showing the location of the 




502 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

point to be punctured, and also add an excellent illustration of the 
method of performing it upon cows or oxen that may become 
bloated, — a very common occurrence in cattle that are turned into a 
clover-field, and eat too much. (See Stock Department, page 132.) 
When a horse is taken suddenly sick, especially after a drive, 
or after having been given cold water or a change of food, looking 
at his side, and acting as if he wanted to lie down, etc., simply catch 
him by the ear, and if it is warm, and the pulse is natural, it is 
always accepted as a proof of colic. Now, what can be done pro- 
vided you have none of the medicine recommended.'' Give about a 
tablespoonful of ginger in a pint of hot water, well stirred ; or giv- 
ing as a drench from four to six ounces of 
good whisky or brandy, is sometimes very 
effective. 

Hot fomentations to the sides and belly 
are also very effective, using woolen blankets 
wrung out of water as hot as can be borne, 
and covered with two or three other cloths 
to retain the heat, and to be repeated as they 
cool. A hot bran poultice would be some- 
FiQ. 822.— The Cross Show- ^^hat better, as it would retain the heat longer, 
ing Ihe Location to be ^.^^^ directions for giving fomentations will 

be found under that head.) The fever med- 
icine, given in doses of from a drachm to half an ounce, has also 
been found very efficient. 

Inflammation of the Bowels. 

Enteritis, also sometimes called red colic, may occur as a pri- 
mary disease, but more often it is seen as a consequence of colic or 
constipation of the bowels. It generally proves fatal. As an idio- 
pathic affection, that is, occurring independent of any other disease, 
it may occur from any of the causes of colic, particularly overload- 
ing the stomach. 

Symptoms. — The animal is noticed to be unwell ; he is dull and 
stupid ; refuses food ; has shivering fits, the mouth becoming hot, 
and extremities alternately hot and cold, the pulse being quick, 
small, and wiry. He looks toward his flanks ; the bowels are cos- 
tive ; after a tinle pain sets in, and is continuous and violent ; he 
rolls about, the sweat pouring from him in streams ; the eyes are 
blood-shot ; the belly hot and tender. He does not throw himself 
violently down, as in colic, but lies down cautiously, and tries to 
steady himself on his back. As it goes on, the symptoms are aug- 



jyFLAMiVATlOX OF THE BOWELS. 



503 



mented, the legs and ears get deadly cold, the pulse becomes 
weaker, and soon is imperceptible ; the mouth gets cold and clammy ; 
extravasation of blood is going on in the bowels ; mortification sets 
in, the pain ceases, and he may stand up. He is dull and stupid, 
surface of the body cold, mouth cold, twitching of the muscles, and 
retraction of the upper lip. He soon falls violentlj' to the ground, 
endangering the lives and limbs of the attendants who happen to be 
near him, and after a few struggles expires. After death, the bow- 
els are very much inflamed, and the inner surface black and clotted 




Fig. 833. — Firsl Slage of Inflammation of ffie Bowels. 

with extravasated blood. Death sometimes occurs in from six to 
eight hours, and even in shorter time. When occurring in conse- 
quence of colic or constipation, it is very difficult to determine the 
exact transition from spasm to inflammation. 

Treatment. — In the outset, especially when occurring as a pri- 
mary affection, and not as a consequence of another disease, copious 
blood-letting will be advisable — from four to six quarts, or sufficient 
to make an impression on the pulse. He should be turned into a 
well-littered loose box, and allowed to roll as he pleases. The bow- 
els are obstinately constipated, but drastic pugatives are apt to in- 
crease the inflammation ; our utmost efforts must therefore be di- 
rected to open them by copious injections (of linseed tea, soap and 
water, tobacco-smoke, or infusion of tobacco), back-racking, etc. A 



504 



DISEASES AXJ) THEIR TREATMENT. 



quart of linseed-oil, with two ounces of laudanum, should be given, 
and repeated, in half the dose, every one or two hours, if required. 
Fomentations of hot water must be constantly applied to the belly, 
or bags wrung out of boiling water. Where, from the violent toss- 
ing of the animal, this is impracticable, blister the belly with tincture 
of cantharides or mustard and turpentine. 

If the symptoms do not moderate in a kw hours, the pulse con- 
tinues full, and the legs and ears not very cold, a second bleeding 
may be advisable ; but this is seldom the case, as the prostration is 

rapid, the pulse be- 
coming small, wiry, 
and almost impercep- 
tible, and the legs 
and ears deadly cold. 
In this case bleeding 
but hastens the fatal 
termination. 

When it has contin- 
ued eight or ten hours, 
if it takes a favorable 
turn, the pulse be- 
comes fuller, the sur- 
face warmer, and he 
will lie for some time 
stretched out, appar- 
ently asleep, being 
weakened from the 
disease and bleeding, and probably partially narcotized from the 
laudanum. In this stage he must be made comfortable, and cov- 
ered up in straw or sheets. We usually "bury" him in straw. This 
restores the balance of the circulation, often causing him to sweat ; 
and after lying thus for one or two hours he will get up relieved, 
and begin to feed. 

No hay must be given him. After a little he should be encour- 
aged to drink well-boiled gruel, or eat a thin bran mash. Injections 
must be continued until the bowels are freely opened. For a few 
days he must be kept warm ; a few mouthfuls of cold water may be 
given every hour ; gentle walking exercise and sloppy diet must be 
continued for some time. About the fourth day, even though the 
bowels have become regular, he should have a purgative (from six 
to eight drachms of aloes, made into a ball), to remove ingesta, and 
restore the secretions to their natural condition. 




Fig. 834. — A Sure Indication of Inflammation of the Bowels. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 505 

The following is the treatment advised by Dr. Summerville : — 
This disease is generally caused by constipation of the bowels, hard driving, 
overpurging or looseness of the bowels, or drinking cold water when warm. Con- 
stipation is, however, the principal cause of the disease, and when this is the case, 
the first and most important condition of relief is to get an action of the bowels. 

Symptoms. — For the first few hours the horse is uneasy, paws, looks around at 
the side, the pulse is slightly accelerated and wiry. As the disease advances, the in- 
termissions between the attacks become less, pulse quicker, running from seventy to 
eighty beats in a minute, in some instances even faster ; lies down and gets up, 
shows much pain, no swelling of sides ; now begins to exhibit fever, bowels consti- 
pated, urine highly colored and scanty. 

Remedy. — Give a quart of raw linseed-oil. If constipation is very great, add 
from four to six drops of croton-oil. 

If scours, or overpurging, sets in, give an ounce and a half of tincture of opium 

with six ounces of water. But 
^ in order to suppress the in- 

/^i^—-- tlamniation, it is necessary to 

'^'^^^ bleed immediately from the 

neck vein from six to ten 
quarts of blood, according to 
:i^^^^^^<j^<?^^5^^^gits^^v ;~ "?>^^,^ the strength and size of the 

/^^^S^^^^^S^^=^ _ , ^^^Sk_^ animal. In extreme cases 

//^/fM^^^^^S^^k^^^^ ' ^"^^^^^^^^ bleeding may be repeated to 
'''''''"ivm^mUl^U^^M^^^^^^S^'T.^'^i^^S^ the extent of four to six quarts 

in three or four hours. If 
j^ i_i» much pain exists in constipa- 

iS^ tion, give from one to three 

T7I or.^ He i < I II .■ I 11. o 1 ounces of tincture asafetida. 

Fig. 835. — A Symptom of Inflammation of the Bowels, 

„ , , , , „ . Feed lightly for a week at 

or Great Internal Pain. . . 

least, giving gruel, roots, 

grass, and bran mashes, and keep quiet. Do not exercise for several days if there 
is danger of a relapse. This is a dangerous disease, and requires prompt treatment. 
Treatment advised by Charles A. Meyer : — 
The first stage of inflammation of the bowels is when the animal sits on bis 
haunches like a pig, gradually gets up, and walks around as if in great agony ; makes 
attempts to lie down, and when he does, goes down very carefully ; may make a few 
rolls ; will gradually straighten out again, attempt to rise, and sits on his haunches 
again like a pig. This position is a sign of bowel inflammation, and to save the pa- 
tient the treatment must begin in earnest. Should the patient be fat and plethoric, 
bleed from the neck from two to eight quarts, according to the size of the horse. 
Apply a strong rubefacient to the abdomen, of 1 lb. of strong mustard, 2 oz. aqua am- 
monia, and water sufficient to make into a plaster ; rub in well, and cover with paper, 
to keep in the heat. Then give the following medicine : — 

Opium, pulverized.. 4 dr. 

Subnitrate of bismuth 2 oz. 

Chloroform 4 dr. 

Nux vomica, pulverized 2 J dr. 

Licorice root Q- S. 

Make into four balls, give one every 4 to 6 hours, according to the uneasiness of 




506 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

the patient, which must be kept quiet, and these balls will do it. Feed soft, nutritious 
food, warm water, and no hay, for about one week. 

SUPERPURGATION, DIARRHEA, ETC. 

An over-relaxed, state of the bowels may arise from various 
causes. In some animals it is favored by peculiarities of conforma- 
tion, as is seen in ivasliy horses, animals with long legs, open ribs, 
and flat sides, with tucked-up bellies, such being liable to purge 
from the simplest cause. 

Change of feed, especially from dry to green, or unhealthful 
food, and sometimes through nervous excitement, is apt to produce 
scouring. It is usually the evidence of something wrong, and the 
effort of nature to remove it. Some irritant or undigested food being 
lodged in the bowels, the intestinal fluids are poured out in super- 
abundance to remove it. The incautious use of purgative medicines 
is a common cause of superpurgation. It often occurs in the latter 
stages of debilitating diseases, when it is always an untoward symp- 
tom, betokening a breaking-up of the vital powers. The presence of 
little white worms (ascarides) is occasionally the cause. It some- 
times follows the drinking of cold water when an animal is in a 
heated state. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms vary according to the nature of the 
case, and the causes that give rise to it. It may be simply an in- 
creased fluidity of the contents of the bowels, as is seen in washy or 
nervous animals( unaccompanied by pain or constitutional disturb- 
ance ; or, on the other hand, it may be (as in superpurgation) at- 
tended by pain, expressed by uneasiness, pawing, looking to the 
flanks, etc. He strains frequently, and the feces are very watery ; 
the pulse is small and hard. Rapid and increasing weakness and 
emaciation, loss of appetite, and unless means are speedily adopted 
to check it, inflammation of the bowels is apt to set in. 

Treatment. — Great care must be exercised in feeding and water- 
ing washy horses, dry feed being best suited to them. They should 
not be allowed to drink too freely of water, especially before work. 
In many cases it may be necessary to give them some starch or 
chalk mixed up in the feed. In all cases, the main point is to dis- 
cover the cause. If arising from improper food, it must be changed 
at once. 

If some irritant be suspected, nature must be assisted in her ef- 
forts, by giving a quart of linseed or castor oil, followed up by starch 
or well-boiled flour gruel, keeping the animal warm. If worms are 
suspected, or seen in the dung, one or two ounces of spirits of tur- 



DlSTlilBUTION OF THE GREAT MESENTERY ARTE in'. 507 



Fig. 826.— General View of the Horse's 
Intestines, Showing the Distribution of 
Blood to them by the Great Mesen 
teric Artery. The Animal is Placed 
on its Back, and the Intestinal Mass 
Spread Out. 



A. The duodenum as it passes be- 
hind the great mesenteric artery; B. 
free portion of the small intestine ; C. 
ileocsecal portion; D. caecum; E. F. G. 
loop formed by the large colon ; F. F. 
point where the colic loop is doubled 
to constitute the suprasternal and dia- 
phragmatic flexures; pelvic flexure. 







508 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

pentine, or any of the vermifuges recommended, should be added to 
the oil. Should it not yield to this, neutralize the acids in the bow- 
els by giving an ounce and a half of prepared chalk and a dram and 
a half of powdered catechu, mixed in a pint of water. Give once or 
twice a day until purging ceases. Keep the animal without exercise, 
and do not give much water to drink. 

If this disease should arise from nervous excitement, give a 
drachm of powdered opium in the food once a day for three or four 
days. Or give the following astringent drench : — 

Powdered opium 1 dr. 

Prepared chalk 4 oz. 

Gum acacia 1 oz. 

Dissolve in warm water, and give in well-boiled flour or starch 
gruel. It may be given two or three times a day, the gruel being 
given frequently. If very severe, injections of solution of catechu 
and starch, with a little tincture of opium, should be given. 

The belly may be stimulated with liquid blister. He must be 
kept perfectly warm, and the legs bandaged. Care must be taken 
not to induce an opposite state of the bowels by the injudicious use 
of astringents. An ounce each of carbonate of soda and ginger 
should be given daily for some time after recovery. Rest and good 
dry food are necessary for some time. 

Constipation. 

Constipation is a condition the very opposite of the above, in 
which we have a diminished action of the bowels, the dung being 
dry and voided with difficulty, leading to dangerous "stoppage of 
the bowels." It arises from various causes, especially from being 
fed on dry, fibrous food. If in pasture in the fall, when the grass is 
tough and fibrous, with perhaps a scarce supply of water, the fibrous 
ingesta are liable to become felted together, and impacted in the 
bowels. Want of exercise, and feeding too much grain, are also 
prominent causes. 

It is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the bowels. 
Horses that are kept up, or not worked regularly, and especially if 
fed on dry food, should have an occasional bran mash with plenty 
of water to drink, or small doses of laxatives ; aloes is the simplest 
and best, from two to four drachm doses, with green food. If ac- 
companied by colic, or inflammation of the bowels, back-raking, etc., 
must be resorted to until relieved. Green grass is about the best 
laxative. 

All horses, especially those advanced in years, should be watched 
carefully, and when there is any tendency to constipation, it should 



WORMS. 



509 




Fig. 837.— Symptom of Worms. 



be prevented, as before stated, by giving bran mashes, carrots, and 
raw potatoes ; or, if thought advisable, a little oil or physic, with 
regular exercise and sufficient water, and there will usually be no dif- 
ficulty. It is very important to look to this condition ; neglecting 
it, colic, inflammation of the bowels, etc., may result. 

Worms. 

Worms are most commonly found in the stomach and bowels ; 
the}' are also sometimes met with in almost 
every part of the body. Investigation shows 
there are over thirty kinds of worms that 
infest the horse. Dr. Robert Jennings, 
about thirty years ago, at that time a res- 
ident of Borden Town, New Jersey, now of 
Detroit, Michigan, informed the writer that 
he had traced out thirty different kinds in 
the horse, and among others exhibited a piece of muscle that 
was perforated by a large number of little white worms from one 
to two inches long. 

Mr. White, an old author, says : — 
I have found worms in the wind-pipe, in the mesenteric artery, in an abscess 
in the substance of the abdominal muscles, and according to Lafosse, they have been 
found also in the pancreatic and salivary ducts. 

There are but three or four that 
are very common. First, the teres 
lumbrici, a large worm from four to 
ten inches long, that lives in the in- 
testines. It looks like the common 
earth-worm, yellowish white, and 
tapered at both ends. Second, the 
ascai-is, commonly called needle or 
thread worm, of a dirty white color, 
usually from one to two inches long. 
They are sometimes found in thou- 
sands. They have been observed 
chiefly inhabiting the mucous coat 
of the cjecum, on the surface of which, it is supposed, they are 
developed in little cells, which, when matured, burst, producing con- 
siderable irritation, and often serious inflammation of the parts. 
They are also sometimes found to infest the rectum in large num- 
bers, and to relieve the irritation they produce, the horse rubs 
his tail. 




Fig. 828. — The Appearance of a Horse 
that is Troubled with Worms. 



510 



DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 



Varieties of strongyli and oxynres also 
occur, and are sometimes mistaken for 
ascaridcs. They are, however, distinct 
species ; the former is tapered, and ter- 
minates in a spine ; whereas the latter 
is blunted, with a head like a leather 
sucker. The strongyli inhabit the cze- 
cum, colon, and duodenum ; the oxynres, 
the mesentery, spermatic cord, and in 
fact almost every organ in the body. 
The common whip-worm, or long thread- 
worm, technically called the triclioccph- 
aliis dispar, are found in the caecum. 
They resemble a whip, the shank being 
about a third, and the thong two thirds 
of the length, usually about two inches. 
Bots, which inhabit the stomach, will be 
referred to especially following this 
article. 

There is also a small thread-like worm, 
caWed filar ia, from a half inch to an inch 
and a half long, which travels all through 
the system. This is the worm that 
sometimes gets into the eye and grows 
there. The tape-worm is sometimes 
found in the horse, for which I give a 
specific remedy used by Dr. Meyer with 
great success. (I give illustrations of a few 
worms, though not of all that I desired, 
on account of the difficulty of obtaining them. They will not, how- 
ever, be of any special interest or importance to the general reader- 




Fici. 829. — Ascaris Lumbricoides^ 

A. female ; D. male (natural 
size). 




Fig. 830. — Ascaris Marginata, Enlarged. 

Hence those obtained are put in without regard to much technical 
explanation.) 

Sytnptouis of worms are debility, feebleness, sluggish move- 



WOJi'JIS. 



ill 




ments, emaciation, staring coat, hide bound, 
skin covered with blotches, irregular and capri- 
cious appetite, tucked up belly, pallid appearance 
of the lining membrane of the lip, badly digested 
feces ; rubs the tail, and when fundament worms 
exist, a whitish substance will be found about the 
fundament. Many horses have worms, and their 
presence is never suspected till they appear in 
the dung. Troublesome diarrhea is sometimes 
produced by the presence of ascarides in the cae- 
cum, which are sometimes found in vast numbers 
in the rectum. 

Treatment. — The horse should be put on bran 
mashes for a few days, then give him nothing but 
water for eight or ten hours, then give the follow- 
ing drench : — 

Linseed-oil , . . . 1 qt. 

Spirits of turpentine 2 oz. 

In an hour after give a warm bran mash, and 
the next morning give a dose of physic. If 
thought necessary, in about a week this may be 
repeated. 

Dr. Summerville claimed there was no better 
medicine for the destruction of worms than cal- 
omel, and advised it to be given in the following 
combinations : — 

Calomel 3 dr. 

Tartar emetic 1 dr. 

Mix, and divide into three powders, one to be given at night for 
three successive nights, to be followed in twenty-four hours with a 
good purging ball. Or, — 

Aloes 4 dr. 

Tartar emetic 1 dr. 

Ginger 3 dr. 

Calomel about the size of a bean, and, molasses enough to make 
into a ball. To be given every morning for three days. 

Dr. Hamill found, in treating inflammation of the extremi- 
ties caused by injuries, such as getting a nail in the foot, where ex- 
cessive, that occasionally after giving a dose of aloes and calomel 
large numbers of worms were expelled. Would advise from two to 
four drachms calomel, with aloes according to size and temperament 
of the horse. 



Fig. 831.— Ascaris 
Mystax. 

a. Male ; b. Female ; 
c. d. The expansion of 
its anterior part seen 
from the front and side. 



512 



DIS£ASES AXD TUEIR TREATMENT. 



This is also corroborated by Dr. White, who advises to give 
one or two drachms of calomel with a dose of physic ; or the calomel 
at night, and a dose of physic in the morning. Or give a drachm of 
calomel for three successive nights previous to the physic. 

The following for worms was given the writer by a veterinary 
surgeon of very high standing: — 

Take hickory-wood, sumac-wood, and ordinary wliite ash, and bum to ashes. 
Feed a large spoonful twice a day for three days. Then follow up with a cathartic. 

Prof. Gamgee's favorite remedy : — 

Asaf etida 2 dr. 

Calomel and sarin \\ dr. each. 

Oil of male fern 30 drops. 

Mass sufficient to form a ball to be given at night, and a 
purge in the morning. 

Dr. Sheldon, formerly of New York City, de- 
pended mainly upon santonine, hy the use of 
which he claimed great success, and which he 
also claims never fails to clean the worms out of 
a horse. He treated as follows : — 

First, give bran mash. In 24 hours give one drachm of san- 
tonine, which should be dissolved in water ; then mix in a 
quart of starch, and give as a drench ; in 30 minutes give 
aloes in solution sufficient to move the bowels promptly. 

I also include a favorite horse-jockey remedy, 
which is regarded very good : — 

Fig. b32. — Young Fila- 

. -. . Aloes 1 oz. 

ria Thread-wortn. gp)^;,^ ^^ turpentine 3 oz. 

, _ Egsrs. 6. 

A. younf worm as "^^ 

rolled up in the body of Make into an emulsion, beaten together ;'give to the horse 

the mother ; A. the after being fed with two or three bran mashes. 

same unrolled in a drop t-v, iiTi,:t.„ . „. 

'^ Ur. \\ nite says : — 

of water ; a. Head, wltb 

the protuberances and ^ ^"^ ^^ grass in the spring is perhaps the best ready of 
mouth • b. Oricrin of the ^- ^"r it is the most effectual means of invigorating the di- 
tail wth the anus gestive organs and purifj-ing the blood. When it is not con- 
(backsidej. venient to turn the horse out, he should be fed green grass 

in the stable. 

The following was given the writer by a special friend (a vet- 
erinary surgeon of high standing), as the treatment he would advise 
for the cure of worms ; and though in part a repetition of what is 
given, it is so good that I include it : — 

First, lutnbricoides can be removed by drastic purges of aloes, 
or aloes and calomel. If calomel be given in from two to four 
drachm doses, on a fasting stomach of twelve hours, then fast from 
ten to twelve hours afterward, after which give small doses of aloes 




BOTS. 513 

or saline purges, it will destroy nearly all traces of worms or para- 
sites in the stomach and intestines, even clearing out bots. The 
best general treatment advised is santonine, areca nut, and male 
fern. Of santonine, better known as worm-seed, the dose is from 
one to four drachms, according to the size and temperament of the 
horse. For the small, nervous, well-bred horse, the smallest dose 
would be sufficient ; while for a large, coarse-grained cart-horse the 
larger dose of four drachms will be necessary. Of the same quanti- 
ties of powdered areca nut and male fern, about one ounce is the 
average dose. All vermifuge medicine should be taken while fast- 
ing, as better results will thereby be obtained ; let the horse fast 




Fig. 833.— Strongylus, Enlarged. 

ten or twelve hours before giving the medicine, and nearly as long 
afterward. It is not necessary to give physic after either of these 
medicines. Nearly all the parasites in horses can be expelled by 
the judicious use of calomel. 

BOTS. 

As among most owners and horse-doctors, every obscure lame- 
ness in the foot is supposed to be in the shoulder ; so, when a horse 
is taken sick, nine times out often it is supposed to be caused by 
bots. If the horse turns up his upper lip, looks at his side, shows 
uneasiness, paws, and rolls, it is taken as a sure sign of bojts. 

It is claimed that as a rule bots are harmless parasites, seldom 
producing much mischief, and to be found in almost every horse that 
dies, sometimes in great numbers, adhering to the coats of the 
stomach ; but about this there is much difference of opinion. 

Prof. Law on the subject : — 
Bots are the larvae of the gadfly, which are noticed to be so common, pestering 
the horse during the summer and autumn, darting at him around his legs and sides, 
and depositing their eggs on the hair of the parts. These eggs are caught by the 
horse when he licks the parts in defending himself, and swallowed. In the stomach 
they develop rapidly. By the aid of the hooks around their heads they attach 
themselves to the mucous membrane, mainly of the left half of the stomach (see Pig. 



514 



DISEASES AND TUEIR TREATMENT. 



834), but often also to other parts, such as the right side of the stomach, the duode- 
num, or small gut leading from the stomach, and the throat. There the_y steadily 
grow in the winter, and in spring pass out in the dung, burrow in the soil, and are 
transformed into the gadfly. The disturbance they cause depends on their numbers 
and the portions of the canal on which they attach themselves. In the throat they 
produce a chronic sore throat and discharge from the nose, which continues until 
the following- spring, unless they are previously extracted with the hand. In the 
left half of the stomach, which is covered with a thick, insensible cuticle, they do 
little harm when in small numbers ; hence Bracy Clark supposed them to be benefi- 
cial in stimulating the secretion of gastric juice. 

When very numerous, and 
above all when attached to the 
highly sensitive right half of 
the stomach or the duodenum, 
they seriously interfere with 
digestion, causing the animal 
to thrive badly, to be weak, 
and easily sweated or fatigued, 
and even determining sudden 
and fatal indigestion. This 
last result is especially liable 
to occur in spring 'or early 
summer, when the bots are 
passing out in great numbers, 
and hooking themselves at in- 
tervals to the coats of the sen- 
sitive bowels in their course. 
They will sometimes accumu- 
late in such numbers as actu- 
ally to block the passage. 

In discussing the sub- 
ject, White says : — 

They are generally attached 
to the cuticular or insensible 
coat of the stomach ; but some- 
times clusters of them are 
« found at the pylorus, and 

even in the beginning of the first intestine, named the duodenum. In one case they 
were so numerous in this last situation as to obstruct the passage completelj-, and 
cause the animal's death. 

Feron, an old writer, says he has paid particular attention to 
this subject, and has found that when in large quantities, they are 
very destructive to horses ; that he has seen several horses whose 
stomachs had been pierced quite through by them, the bots making 
their way into the abdomen. 

James Clark, of Edinburgh, an author of high standing, quoted 
in " Shoeing," relates a case of a horse's stomach being perforated by 
bots. 




Fig. 834.- 



-The Gadfly Depositing Eggs, and 
Full-grown Bots. 



1. The female fly about to deposit an e^^ ; 2. the egg 
magnified ; 3. the hot ; 4. the eggs magnified, attached 
to a hair ; 5. the newly hatched bot ; 6. the hot full 
grown ; 7. the head of a bot magnified ; 8. the male fly; 
9, the chrysalis. 



BOTS. 



516 



In " White's Farriery," vol. 2, page 73, Dr. White says : — 
I have seen several horses destroyed by these worms. In some of them they 
caused inflammation of the lungs ; in one frenzy, or mad staggers ; and in one horse, 
the pylorus was completely plugged up with them. There is a remarkable sympa- 
thy or consent between the stomach and lungs, and it is owing to this that they 
sometimes cause inflammation of the lungs. In the cases which have occurred in my 
practice, the most remarkable circumstance was the great depression they occasioned. 

Symptoms. — There is no way, so far as I know, and 
|[](| I have consulted a great many veterinary surgeons 

I on the subject, of determining the symptoms of 

bots. A horse is taken sick, showing all the symp- 
toms of colic ; he is treated for that difficulty, is 
cured, and the trouble is presumed to have been colic. 
According to the best authorities I can find, the con- 
clusion is that the symptoms of bots cannot be dis- 
tinguished from other diseases of the stomach and 
bowels ; that sometimes, when occurring in dense 
clusters around the pylorus or in the first bowel, 
they interfere mechanically with digestion, and keep 
the animal weak and emaciated, and subject to slight 
attacks of colic, capricious appetite, and irregular 
bowels. Beyond these indications, which may be 
identified with other difficulties, there is no way of 
determining whether they are the cause of annoy- 
ance. 

Treatment. — This is doubtful. I give that which 
has been advised as the most effectual. White 
says : — 

The most likely means of expelling bots is to keep the horse 
without food during the night, and give him in the morning a 
quart of new milk sweetened with honey ; and about ten minutes 
after, give four, five, or six ounces of salt in a quart of water. 

Dr. Feron remarks that — 

Common oil given in large quantities has sometimes succeeded in detaching bots 
from the stomach. It is the only medicine that seems to have any effect in making 
them loosen their hold on that organ. 

Blaine says that the continued use of salt mixed with the food 
appears to be obnoxious to them ; for sometimes under its use their 
hold gives way, and they are ejected. 

The popular remedy for bots is sweet milk and molasses, which 
is more safe than reliable. The following is recommended : — 

3 drachms each of aloes and asafetida, rubbed down in hot water, and when 



Fig. 83.'). — Eggs 
Greatly Magnified. 



616 DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMEXT. 

cool add an ounce each of turpentine and ether. To be given every second day for 
a week, leaving out aloes if bowels become too open. 

To relieve pain and uneasiness, any of the colic mixtures are to 
be given. 

Prof. Law advises giving potato juice to feed and quiet the bots, 
adding some colic medicine if thought necessary. 

In a report by Dr. Adams in relation to the subject, published 
about fifteen years ago in the " Medical and Agricultural Register," 
he stated, having made the following experiments at different times 
on bots three-fourths grown, that — 

When immersed in rum, they live 25 hours ; decoction of tobacco, 11 hours ; 
strong oil of vitriol, 2 hours, 18 minutes ; essential oil of mint, 2 hours, 5 minutes. 
Were immersed without apparent injury in spirits of camphor, 10 hours ; fish oil, 49 
hours ; tinct. aloes, 10 hours ; brine, 10 hours ; solution indigo, 10 hours. A 
number of small bots, with one that was full giown, were immersed in a strong solu- 
tion of corrosive sublimate ; the small ones died in one hour, but the full-grown one 
was taken out of the solution, sis hours after its immersion, apparently unhurt. 

Inflammation of the Kidneys. 

Inflammation of the kidneys is generally caused by hard work, 
by slipping, throwing the hind parts so suddenly under the belly as 
to produce undue tension of the lumbar vertebrze, or from sudden 
colds by being exposed to rain and cold, the eating of musty hay or 
oats, or unhealthful food of any kind. Too powerful or too often re- 
peated diuretics produce inflammation of the kidneys, or a degree 
of irritation and weakness of them that disposes to inflammation, 
from causes that would otherwise have no injurious effect. 

Symptoms. — Less or more fever of the system generally, and un- 
willingness to move, particularly the hind legs, dung hard and 
coated, very sensitive to pressure on the spine. The horse looks 
anxiously around at his flanks, stands with his hind legs wide apart, 
and straddles as he walks, shows pain in turning ; the urine is voided 
in small quantities, and is usually high colored, and sometimes 
bloody ; the attempt to urinate becomes more frequent, and the 
quantity voided smaller, until the animal strains violently, without 
being able to pass any or but very little urine. The pulse is quick 
and hard, full in the early stage of the disease, but rapidly becoming 
small, though not losing its character of hardness. Introduce the 
hand into the rectum. If the bladder is found full and hard under 
the rectum, there is inflammation of the neck of the bladder. If the 
bladder is empty, yet on the portion of the intestines immediately 
over it there is more than natural heat and tenderness, there is in- 
flammation of the body of the bladder. If the bladder is empty and 



PROFUSE STALIXG (DIURESIS). 



517 



there is no increased tenderness and heat, there is inflammation of 
the kidneys. 

Trcat7uent. — If the pulse is high, about sixty, take five or six 
quarts of blood, and give a fever ball ; to be repeated in three hours 
if not better. Fever ball : 4 drachms Barbadoes aloes, 1 drachm 
tarter emetic, 2 drachms ginger, calomel about the size of a bean, 
molasses sufficient to make into a ball. Counter-irritation must 

next be excited over the seat of 
— ■" 7 ^ the disease. The loins should 

be fomented with hot water or 
covered with mustard poultice, 
or, better, heat a peck of salt in 
an oven, place it in a bag, and 
put it over the part affected. 
If the case is severe and pro- 
tracted, a sharp blister may be 
used. No diuretics are to be 
given, as they would simply ag- 
gravate, and make the disease 
worse. After the bowels are 
open, give aconite, and treat as 
for fever. After recovery, the 
horse should be kept very quiet 
for a month, and if in season, 
turned out to grass. If in winter, feed with light, mushy diet ; exer- 
cise lightly by leading, if the animal be valuable and it is desired to aid 
recovery by extra care. 

Profuse Staling (Diuresis). 

Profuse staling, sometimes called diabetes, consists principally 
of simple, increased secretion of urine, without any apparent struct- 
ural disease of the kidney, or much alteration of the composition of 
the urine, so characteristic of this affection in man. 

Causes. — It arises in a great measure from feeding musty or 
heated hay, exposure to cold, etc. Frequently it occurs as an ac- 
companiment of acidity of the stomach, or from the improper use of 
diuretics, as niter, saltpeter, resin, etc., which are frequently given 
in large quantities for some time by grooms and ignorant persons, 
not knowing the harm they are doing thereby. It is of these in- 
gredients also that most of the "condition powders" kept for sale, 
which are often liberally fed, are composed. It is not prudent, or at 
all necessary, to give such medicine, excepting for specific purposes, 




Fig. 836. — A Prominent Symptom when the 
Urinary Organs are Involved. 



518 DISK ASKS AND Til El II Tl! RAT MUST. 

and then very cautiously. Intelligent owners give but very little 
medicine. In.stead, they give bran mashes, etc., with good air, reg- 
ular exercise, and grooming. 

Symptoms. — The intense thirst first attracts attention ; he is 
constantly craving for water, and rapidly loses condition ; the coat 
becomes rough and staring ; he passes large quantities of clear urine, 
his litter being constantly wet. He will be seen poking among his 
litter, which he often eats with avidity in preference to good hay. 
If it goes on unchecked, great prostration sets in, the heart beats 
tumultuously, the throbbing being often visible at the side, the pulse 
being irrcL;ular and intermittent. 

rnatiiunt. -\\. is generally very easily checked if taken in 
time ; a complete change of diet is indispensable ; give good sweet 
hay ; carrots are recommended. The bowels must be freely opened. 
Iodine in doses of two drachms, once or twice a day, is claimed to 
be a never-failing remedy, very useful in correcting the thirst and 
checking the flow of urine. 

The following ball may be given night and morning : — 

lodino 1 dr. 

Iodide of poliissium 1 dr. 

Uarbadoos lUoos 1 dr. 

Licorice and syrup sufficient to make a ball. 

Or, give one of the following balls every night : — 

Powdercil opiiiin J oz. 

Fowdcrcd Uiiio 1 oz. 

I'ri^imrcd chidk 1 oz. 

Mix with molasses, and make six balls. 

Tonics should be commenced early. In some cases it can be 
arrested by making him drink water with pipe-clay or pease-meal 
shaken ii|) in it. A run at ])asture wiM oILiii cure it. 

INKI.AMMATION OK 'I'lIK JiLADDIsK I^CN'STITIS). 

Causes. — It may arise from the too free use of diuretic medi- 
cines, or from the injudicious use of fly blisters of tur[)cntine ; 
sometinus from the presence of concretions or gravelly deposits in 
the bladtler, or an extension of spasm, or iiinammation of other 
organs. 

Symptoms. — Almost the same as those of inflammation of the 
kidneys. Frequent voiding of urine in small quantities, quick pulse ; 
looks frequently at flanks, paws violently, tender wlieti pressed upon 
under the flanks. 

When the biuU- of the viscus is the seat of the disease, it be- 



BLOODY riilXE. 519 

comes very irritable, the urine being passed almost as soon as it 
reaches the bladder, the act of staling being almost constantly 
going on. 

The other symptoms are nearly analogous to nephritis ; when 
examined by the hand in the rectum, it is found empty, hot, and ten- 
der. When the neck of the bladder is the seat of the disease, it will 
be found distended with urine, and, instead of frequent staling, we 
have almost complete suppression of urine. 

Treatment. — The treatment resembles that recommended for 
nephritis, which see. Should the contraction of the neck continue, 
a gum elastic catheter should be introduced, or a little warm oil 
may (in the marc) be Injected into the bladder. Small doses of i)i- 
carbonate of soda or potash should be given to neutralize the urine, 
which is usually acid. 

Mere the principal object is to lower inflammation and relax the 
muscular contraction of the neck of the bladder. Bleed largely, al- 
most to fainting ; give physic as for inflammation of the kidneys, or 
a quart of linsccd-oil. A drachm of powdered opium, made into a 
ball, or given in drink every two or three hours, and blister over the 
loins. Give aconite, as for inflammation of the kidneys.* 

Reticntion of Urine. 

The most common cause is keeping the animal active, not giv- 
ing time to urinate, and a spasm of the neck of the bladder or 
gravelly concretions ; any cause of irritation may cause spasm. 
Symptoms are the same as in inflammation of the kidneys, exce[)t 
standing very wide behind, and when walking, a straddling gait re- 
sembling a cow with a very full bag. 

The most prompt treatment is to use the catheter, and scarcely 
anything more is necessary. Rut if one is not obtainable, bleed 
freely, and give a strong opiate : ;} oz. tinct. opium, in half a pint of 
water. 

Bloody Urine 

is generally the result of injuries of the loins, unwholesome food, 
violent exercise, etc. 

Treatment. — Give plenty of linseed tea to drink ; if the animal 
refuses it, drench him. Give internally, once a day, one of the fol- 
lowing pills : sugar of lead, 1 oz. ; linseed tea, 2 oz. Mix with mo- 
lasses and divide into eight parts. 

*If possible, call a veterinary eurgeon, who will Introduce a catheter, which will relieve the 
auliiiul liiiiiicdlately. 



520 



lUSliASlCS .\.\l) TIlRin rUEAT.MEXT. 



DISMASMS Ol-' '1111'; NKKVonS SVSTKM. 



'I'lic lUTVDUS systcMii consisls (ifllic 1)1. lin, vvliit li is Iodised in the 
civil)' of llic slviill (cranium) ; tin- ■.|iiii.il inid, lii(lj;c(i in llu- cavity 
of tlic vertebral ciiaiii ; anil iinnii i oir. lilllr \\lnlc lurds, called 
nerves, wliich are ^ivcn out Imni ilic In. mi .md -.iiin.d idid, ,ur1 dis- 
tribnti'd III llii- dilfiirnt p.ni-, i>| ilic boily, especially tliosc parts 
enddwi d uilli srn->d)ilit \ , and undii tile control of the will, liesides 
tliis .system of nerves, there is another set, independent of the cere- 
bro-s]»inal axis, calletl the sj-mp.ilhetic or ^janj^dionic system, whicii 
supplies the orf^^ans of nut i i! ii m .uid nl In r viscera, blooil -vessels, etc. 
it consists of nnnieriin> sni.dl i i iiUi s, c .dl<-d ).;an}.dia, i-xtemlintj in 
two (^reat i li.iin'. Ii i>ni 1 he In -.id to 1 In- l.nl, mu i-.u h sidr i if 1 In- bodies 
of the verliln .1-, I IiimI\ .i-.-.m i.iti d wiili ilic nilicr sj'slem by intri- 
cate conniinnical imi. 

InI'I.amm.x I i(i\ up I ill-, Hk.mn I l'iiKi;.\rris"). 

riiic-nilis is not a very connnmi disc.isv, thnii^;h llu- sui)slance 
(il ihr In. lin itself, m-, as is more 
iiinnnmih llu- lasc, its niendiranes, 
in coverinji;s, become inll.inn d. Il 
^\ has received various .ippell.il ions, 

/v^ \ — such as iitiul sliii:;i^t'is, slirpy sttt}^- 

\ ^ " '^ ( (iiiSiS.- I he causc-s ,ire nut 

ihninuiddy nnderslootl. Injniies 
til the skull, iiirtasdisis, m I he 
li .insleieiu e of iiiil.immal ii Ml Irum 

sinne iif the ntlui' nij^aus, lliidl 
ennilitiini .md lAiiwi.ik, unihu' ex- 
pii-.uie 111 ,1 hut Sim, .ill seem lo 
be lavin.dile lu its pnuhulinn. 
I buses th.il ,iie Inn hi;;hly li'd .ire subject In this, wliile nn ider.it el\' 
led horses are scarcely ever inclined tu it. 

.S'j'W///(;w.f. — It is usuall\' iisheied in li\ dullness .md persistent 
ilrowsiness ; he staiuls with his he. id between his hj^s, or sometimes 
restin(jj a^jainst the m.miu r nr le.iniii}^ a^^ainst the wall ; the eyes 
shut, and the pupils dil.ited ; the pulse is full, soft, ,ind slow ; the 
bl-e.ithini; is he.i\y .md Ininl , hi- is very tliflicult to ,iinnse,.ind when 
st.utled, he looks dre.iinil\' .ibniit ; ni.iy take a few bites ^A \\.\\, but 
sonii (Imps .isleep .i;;,iin ; the bnwels are costive, ,ind the iiiiiie 
sc.mt\' .md hiidi inlnreil. 

In a d.i\ 111 t\\ii Ihe symptoms .ire milii.;ated, or.it j^ot's on ti> 




Fio. 8!)7.— Syiiiploiii ol liifltiiiiiiialloii 
ot Iho Brain. 



INFhAMMATloX UF TIIK IIHALW 521 

the second staf^c, vvlicii llit,- pulse becomes c[iiick, t^encral cxcileineiit 
takes the place of lethargic stupor ; the countenance is wild and ex- 
citetl lookiiii:; ; the f)'cs arc lilood-shot and staring;' ; (K-iiriiim sets in ; 
he clashes liiniscif furiously .ihnnl, icils ami slai;^;i'i ^;, ollcii throws 
hiinscif viiiK'iit ly ddwii ; li<-s 1 re in Mini; , Mow iiu;, .iml i iiiuulscd ; his 
hliioil shot cNis like lost. Ill oiil oj' thrir SOI kits; lie uill soon l;cI: 
up, rear and pliiii;;c lorw.ird, brcakinj^' everj'lhinj^' aioniid liiiii, 
evidcnll}' unidiisi ions of I he injuries he is sustaining ; and, uli.il is 
char.u tci ist it ol t lu- edinplaint, his dcstruit ion is carried on evidently 
without purpose, as is e\'iiucd in rabies, or iiia<lness. The convul- 
sions become moll- lieipieiit and coiit iniioiis, .md death ends his 
misery in hum Iweiit) to I w enl)'-loiir houis. 

Treat iiinit." Copious blood-letting must be at once resortetl to ; 
no time shouhl be lost in giving a strong dose of purgative medicine. 
One or both jugulars may be opened, or where, iVom the restlessness 
of the patient or ilanger in worlcing about him, this is impracticable, 
the l.inctd should be plunj^ied into the lempoi.d .irl<r\, whi(h will be 
found about three inches Ix low I he e.ir, bet ween it .iiid the nostril. 

The followini; clieiu li should be given : — 

IJarlmddcs aloes (t dr. 

CarliiiMiilo ol' wodii , \ iiz. 

Crolon iMiiuiH, iHiwdtM'od . 1.5 

Threi- drachms of aloes may be given every three hours, with 
copious injections every hour, till the bowcds are freely opened. Sed- 
atives should also be used, such as exli.ul of hyoscyamus and cal- 
omi'l, a drachm of each shaken up in a little thin gruid, given every 

two honis. Seldom is repetition of blood h-t I iiij; .id v is.ible ; eold 
w.iter should be ei>nst.inlly .ipplied to the he. id ; a sin. ill hose in.ide 
to play upon il in a eonslant stream, where it is convenient, will bi; 
found very useful. 

The favorite prescription of a very succi'ssful prailit iomr is: 
" Give on the tongue every six hours about one dr.-u hm of t he ext r.icl 
of coninm." lie gave this aftc'r the horse h.id lallen. 

Dr. .Sumnierville's explanat loll and tre.iimeiil of this diflieiilty 
arc so plain and i;ood, ih.il I im linle Ihem : 

Ih llrst iii)lk!t!iil)I(! liy diilliiuss (jr Mliii:|)imi.sn of lliii eyes, an llIlwlllill^{ll(^1H lo iikivc, 
f^uiioral lioavinoHH of llu^ syHloni. Tills dlsiwiHo Ih fr(i(|ii<!nlly ealliMl iiii'iiriiiiii, Jltn, and 
mitd Htiii/f/ei-H ; hiil, in |iarl, only one dmcaNii, acconliii^' to tlic cxlciil, ol" such (liwaHe as 
till) animal may Ixi alT'ei'U'd with. 

Tlu) causo of Htiif^f^ccH i,s an iiiuIiK! How of lilood to llie liraiii, wliirh nmdy or 
ucvor occiirH in any anImalH cx('0|il IIiokc in a plethoric (fal) condlllon. 

Homo wriUirH and iiraclitioiKM'H iiHsei'l that tlmro Ih a dlHeiiHii linowii iis Hloiiiach 
Hlaj5>;crs. I have m^viT Hccn ii ciimc whi'i'c il was ncccsHary to Ij'cal, tlir Hloiiuich, liiil, 



522 DISEASES A. YD THEIR TREATMENT. 

always direct attention to the brain, as being the seat of tlie disease, which may be 
|)roj)crly called head slagfjerii. 

In case of megrims, or fits, it is merely a lesser attack, or pressure of the blood- 
vessels on the brain, and viad staggers is a greater pressure of the same vessels on 
the same part. The brain is divided into two parts, namely, cerebrum and cere- 
bellum, which occupy a horny box in the head. The bloodvessels passing over the 
l)nun and coming in contact with the skull, become distended by an increased quan- 
tity of blood, and i)roduce the feeding which is thus exhibited. 

There is but one cure for this disease, and that is, remove the cause. Bleed 
largely from the nock — ten, twelve, or fourteen quarts, or until the symptoms of 
fainting. After the horse is convalescent, a sharp dose of physic should be given to 
regulate the bowels. I would advise owners of such hor.ses to dispose of thorn. Once 
taken with the disease, they are subject to a repetition of tlio attack when the blood- 
vessels become filled again. 

Note. — Small doses of aconite (of the quantity for fever) may be given three or 
four times a diiy as a good preventive. Turning to i)asturc horses that may be li- 
able to this disease will prove both injurious and dangerous. 

When driven in the hot sun, the head should be protected with 
some sort of covering, which is now used very generally in many 
large cities, or a large sponge, kept wet with water, may be tied on 
the back of the head. 

Meguims, or Vertigo. 

The form of nervous complication known as megrims is not 
uncommon. Its nature is but imperfectly determined. 

Causes. — It is often connected with worms or other derange- 
ments of the stomach or bowels, said also to depend on over-accu- 
mulation of blood in the head. The late Professor John Barlow 
found tumors in the choroid plexus of the brain. In these cases, it 
is often connected with over-feeding, and its consequence is derange- 
ment of the digestive organs. 

It is most commonly seen in harness horses, usually during hot 
weather, occurs generally on a heavy pull going up hill, probably 
from pressure of the collar interrupting the return of blood from the 
head; or "the long-continued constraint the bearing-reins put the 
head to," may prove the exciting causes in animals predisposed to it. 

Symptoms. — All at once, when going along the road, he is ob- 
served to jerk up his head in a convulsive manner ; he seems giddy, 
reels, staggers, may fall down and lie for a few moments insensible ; 
he gets up, looks stupidly about, shakes himself and proceeds as if 
nothing had happened. 

At other times he merely stops, experiences a few convulsive 
movements of the head, with slight giddiness, which by letting him 
stand for a few minutes soon passes off He is ever after subject 
to these fits, especially during the hot summer months. 



A'^.V ,ST1!0KE. 523 

TrcdtiiiLitt. — When depending on organic changes in the brain, 
it is incurable, and is subject to these attacks from time to time. 
When a fit comes on on the road, stop him at once, throw the collar 
forward off his shoulders and let him stand ; if convenient, pour a 
stream of cold water over his head. Bleeding in the mouth has been 
recommended, but is quite empirical ; it soon passes off When oc- 
curring in a young horse for the first time, he should be well phys- 
icked out, and if worms art' suspoctctl, treat as recommended for 
worms. Tonics are often beneficial, especially arsenic given in 
doses of from three to five grains daily. Megrim subjects are dan- 
gerous hacks, and should only be used where they can do no harm 
to life or property. 

Sun Stkokk. 

This is liable to occur during the hot summer months, particu- 
larly in large cities. It is usually caused by overwork or hard driv- 
ing in the sun. Horses that are fat and young, and old, feeble 
horses are most subject to it. Wearing a sun-shade or a large 
sponge saturated with water on the top of the head, giving cool 
water occasionally, and sponging out the nostrils, and wetting the 
head, with of course moderate work or driving, are the best preven- 
tives. A very good plan, when driving through the country, where 
accessible, is to tie a few branches well covered with leaves so as to 
come over the head. They also serve to keep the flies away. 

For light driving, a breast-strap is better than a collar, because 
it permits more freedom of the circulation. 

Symptoms. — In severe cases the horse will suddenly stop, pant 
violently, possibly drop to the ground and die in a short time. 

When the attack is mild, he will flag in his gait, be unsteady in 
his limbs, spread his legs in standing, and totter. The head is held 
low, the eyes protrude, the nostrils are dilated, the pupils of the 
eyes smaller than natural, and the breathing rapid. Pulse is quick 
and weak, the heart beating violently and irregularly. Relief must 
be prompt. 

Treatment. — Unharness, and throw pails of cold water over the 
whole body, especially on the back of the head, neck, and spine. 
Next, rub the skin energetically with rough cloths or bagging, or 
anything convenient. Then repeat the douching. The best of all 
medicine, it is claimed, is quinine. The quickest way to get its ef- 
fect would be to inject from 25 to 50 or 60 grains under the skin 
with a hypodermic syringe. This is the remedy used in the East 
Indies, and is claimed to be the very best in giving relief 



624 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

As a prompt diffusable stimulant during the severe depression, 
the following may be given : — 

Sulphuric ether 2 oz. 

Water 1 pint. 

Given as a drench. Or, 15 to 25 drops tincture of aconite, in a pint of ale. 

After the attack has passed off, the horse should be turned out 
where he will be well protected from the glare of the sun by trees, 
etc., and allowed to rest for a few weeks ; and if it can be avoided, 
he should not be driven afterward in the hot sun. 

AzoTURiA, Partial Paralysis, Spinal Meningitis, etc 

Under these and other names we will notice a disease which is 
at times very common in this country, and very alarming in its as- 
pect, from the suddenness of its attack and severity of its symptoms, 
producing almost complete loss of power of the hind quarters. 

Causes. — It usually occurs in horses which are being " fed up," 
or which have been accustomed to hard work, and are allowed to 
remain in the stable for a few days, having a liberal allowance of 
good feed ; the system becomes plethoric, more blood being formed 
than the system can dispose of, whereby the vascular organs are 
overloaded, and consequently, under increased action caused by ex- 
ertion, they are apt to become congested. 

Symptoms. — The animal is apparently in excellent health and 
spirits. He starts off lively ; but before he has gone far, he sud- 
denly stops, crouches, seems very much distressed. The sweat rolls 
off him in streams ; he blows and heaves at the flanks ; he cannot 
move for a few minutes. He drops on his hind quarters ; can 
hardly drag them after him. When made to move, he drops as if 
his leg was dislocated or broken. The pulse is very high, from sixty 
to eighty, and the muscles of the quarter are swollen and hard. In 
some cases he gets down, and cannot get up again ; but seldom is 
loss of power at first complete, or sensibility entirely lost. The 
urine is generally very high colored ; we have seen it black or coffee 
colored, which is a sure proof of the trouble, and always voided with 
difficulty. 

Treatment. — When seen in the early stages, abstract six quarts 
of blood,* remove the urine with a catheter, and give from 7 to 8 
drachms of aloes. Persistently apply hot-water cloths to the loins, 

* There is some difference of opinion as to the propriety of bleeding. Some of the best 
practitioners do not now bleed for this difficulty, and while I should regard it good treatment, 
it may be omitted, as physicking, with other treatment, will usually give sufficient relief; but if 
the case is very hearty, short-necked, and full blooded, bleeding would seem to be advisable. 



PARTIAL PARALYSIS. 525 

and cover them up well with dry blankets, changed every half hour. 
Give 20 drops of tincture of aconite in a little cold water every two 
hours, till the fever subsides. If the pain is very severe and twitch- 
ing; give the following drench : — 

Sweet spirits of niter 3 oz. 

Tincture of opium 2 oz. 

Cold water 1 qt. 

Mix. 

Injections of soap and water should be given, and the legs well 
rubbed and bandaged. It is important also that he be turned 
gently, about every three hours, and that his bedding be made as 
comfortable as possible. According to modern practitioners, who 
have had decided success in the treatment of this disease, it is not 
at all necessary to put in slings. In fact, the better recoveries are 
made without putting in slings ; neither should he be urged to get 
up too soon ; will usually do so of his own accord when able, but 
may be helped a little. 

In most cases it will yield to this treatment, and in three or 
four days he will be convalescent. However, in many the loss of 
power increases ; he makes frequent efforts to get up, but cannot 
support himself behind. In these cases the spine should be freely 
blistered with mustard and turpentine, or with the strong ammo- 
niacal liniment. Good nursing and care are everything ; in fact, 
indispensable. Give restricted diet, carrots, bran mashes, etc. When 
all fever and acute symptoms have subsided, and recovery of power 
is tardy, give the following ball night and morning : — 

1 drachm nus vomica in powder, made into a ball, with linseed-meal and ex- 
tract of gentian. Or, 2 grains strychnine, made into a ball in the same way. 

The nux vomica or strychnine, whichever is used, should be 
gradually increased, until to the maximutn of what the system will 
bear without serious disturbance, when it should be stopped, or the 
dose diminished. He should be well bedded up with straw, and as 
before stated, turned as often as once in every three to four hours. 
It often runs its course in from thirty-six to forty-eight hours, usu- 
ally, however, in from three to six days. It is more fatal in stallions 
and geldings than in mares. If a veterinary surgeon is available, he 
should be called in promptly when this disease appears. 

In a conversation with Dr. McBeth of this city (Battle Creek), 
on the foregoing disease, he informed the writer that he had treated 
a great many cases during his practice, with success ; that a short 
time before, directly after a severe storm, which was the cause of 
keeping the animals idle while kept on their usual amount of food. 



62fi 



DISICASliS AND TIIICII! THEATMKST. 



ho h.'id six discs, as u C(>nsc(|iicii(i-, in one week, .\\\ of wliicli matle 
(^rood recovery. One case li.id Ikcii ilovvii lort y-ii-jil Ixjiirs, another 
sonic i-ii'lilicM honi',, :imi .1 lliiid .il)r)nl luiKi- houis Ixlon- lie was 
CI I led. This snc ( (••.■. indue i-il ni<' lo ni.d.i- 1 lir i((|ni ■,! iji.ii hr would 
l^ivtr I1U-, ill the fewesi \\ 01 iK, tin- out line of Ins iind( r'.l.mdin", of I lie 
disease, with Jlis treat imiil , w liu li I i;ivi- lure as du l.ilcd liy liini : 

'I'hiH (liM-iiHi' iM ki'Iii'IhII.V '111 n In JKirMi-M Hull, iiiv wnil,r(l Iniril, Mini nIhikI 

Hiill Willi ri'Kuliir IVml. Wlii'ii piil, lo wuik, uv wlii'ii ilriviMi, |jiTliit|iN mil n'oiiiK 
iiioni Miitii II i|iiiirli'r In liiiH' \\, iiilln, liii^'lii In hwciiI iirDl'imi'ly, luiil in a I'nw iiiiiiuldK 
iil'lcrwiiiil mIiiiw nn'iil wciikiicHH in llic lim k, iiclintr iih If linvlnt;' Insl. jiiiwrr In inovo 
llir liiiid liTH , ill riMl, M,|i|M-iirlii;'; Hl.lir Mil nvir. II' iM.I iK'Ipcil ,|iii(kl.v, llir iKirmr in 

liahlr lo lllll lldWll. 

77/c niUH,' nf III.' ili:,|.|ihr iH Mic lininr iMiiKiiiK iiinn' III I, wliilr idlr. Ilinii llir 

nyi'l,nlii rnii M|i|irn|iiiiil,v Wlicii piil In wc.iU, 1,1 i.srI.'H ill Mm liiiiilnir rrfiinii lir 

< 1 l/.',l','.li'il. HIkI lllr ii,lll,n|lll'llri' in llll' llol-HI) 1(IH(!H pDWcr 1,1) rilisr' nr rcilllKij Ills 

liiiiil |iMi'lii, ir lii'iiliil |irn|iiTlv, will iiMiiiilly n'Kiiln IiIh Hlr(rii)^l,li In Irinii Iwcnly I'mir 
In Ihiily hI\ liniirM, 

'I'ntiliiii III. l''ii'Hl Kivi' II Nliiir|i nillmrl.ic, iiLsn apply ciiniilcr ii riliinlH nvrr Ijii' rv 

H'ldii ol' lllll klilni'yH, imliiK hI p Hkiii nr (■(iiinl.iir IrriliinlH ; iiIho uhii llic ciilliclcr. 

(Ilvci Hiniill (IdHi'M 111' NplillH III' iillcr. Willi 101(1 If) (li'iipH iicdiiilii luliidd, I'niiii I'our tciHlx 
iKMii'H iipiii'l. VViii'ii I'l'viT HiiliNiil(!H, f^ivK nrrvinn IdiiicN Willi Nirycliiiliir in nnc Imlf 

gnilii (liiHiiH, 111- piiwilcii'il mix viiniicii in niiii liiiH' (inicliin ilii.miH, in Ir [wn In I'nur 

liiiiirH iipiirl,. 11 iinl vi'iy ^•l'l'illllH, lUioiil, I'liiir limirH iipiirl,. 

ir III!' linlHi' i'l nnl lllllr In I'IkI'. IIIIInI llnl Irl liilil 11 1 nnc silll' Inll^ri' llnill 

llirrc llnniMlllll li , 'I'llcMC ril.sns HIT lli'lM ill,M ii li.l llinsl nnl hr f.vcilcil, 'I'liry 

iiiir.l 1.1' liiiiullril ^('r^ MCiilly mid uiilknl m.Hiiid vrr\ ..iivrnlly 

Allci llii'. .iiliilr w.e. wiillcn 1 rc( ri\'((l a l'. S. Wlriiiiiirv 
'li'iii iiiil \i^\ l>riciiilHr, iss."., |iiililr,lird in (liii .li'.o, III,, in uliiili I 
lind an rxirllcnl essay on this siilijcil irad li_\- W. 1.. Williams, 
\'. S., JnloK- llll- Illinois Si. lie \'rl ciiiLii \' A ss( H'i.il ion , .md ,is an 
addil ioii.il .lid I o siu ( issliil I |i .il ineiil , 1 i opy t hat .id\' isedi))' iliiu : - 

'I'll!' Ki'i'iil iiNSKiilial in Iri'iilini'iil Ih iiiri'l'iil mir.-.in;;. willmiil wliii'li siicccsH iH 
nu'cly piiHuililn ill Hi'vi'iT i-hhi'h. Ah hiumi iih Mm llrht HyinptniiiH iippnir, ki'i'p Mm iiii- 
iiniil UN <{iilnl iiH piiHHilili'. If iiliii' Id Hiaiiil ('(iinrnrtiilily, iiiivn liim Hliiiui iis hIIII us 
pnHMilild ; 11' rnciimlKinl,, prni-iiid liiiii a nimd linil nf hIi'iiw at niicis and by an iiiilrl 
iiininH as pnHHllilc try In pri'Vi'iil, any clVnrl, ill finUiii;,' up. TIiIh ran u.sniilly lici dnin' 
ri'iidily by liiiviiu; a Hlnady nniii liold Urn lirad. nr Im can be iiKHislcd by iinoMicr imiii 
Kci'piiij', llic Inwcr I'nrc Ic;; llcvcd iirniiiHl llic clicHl h\ mcMiis nf a sirup ii|inii llic 
fnnl. Sliniild llic iiniimil 111' MlMiidiiiM, bill .>;ri>wim; iiinrc .'ind iimri' linblc In lull, In.M' 
nn Hum in Ki^'I1"K ''i'" i"'" Hn' nm,'4l cninfnrliiblc pbicc iil bnnil, Wlicn nirc.idy 

dnwil. IIIlldNH Mm Wcillllcr III' inrlcmclll nr llic Inclllinll uld.'IMilllblc, dn llnl .'llh'llipl 

In innvn liiin fnr Iwn nr llircc liniirs. wlicii lie Nlmilld be reinnvi'd In a well bi'dded, 
('ninl'nrlablii Innne Imx nr nlied, lie eiin willi lillle dilllcnlly be rolled nn a Inw nled 
nr a farm f;ale, wlien a wnnd Hpiin nf linrsen will rciidily ilriif,' lilm In Mie sliill dnnr, 
lUid live nr hIx men will Hmm place liiiii wlierc ilesired, I'iimh llie <-iillielcr early, and 



I'M! A LYSIS. 



r.>J7 



Uoo]) It up l.wici) 111' Ihricd (liiily so luiin- iin l.lwi iiiiiiiial roiiiniiiM rccimilK^iil. IliMiuivo 
llui nIkhin fniru llm fDni l'<.(il, In |ii-cvriil Imiislti;; cif IIkm'Ih'hI, iiikI <'11>ows while lyiii.ir ; 
apply lint. clolliH III' .sli^'lilly Hl.iiiiiiliiliii^' liiiiiiiiiit In llic Idiiis niiil >{I|iii'Ii'I'h. Kciip 

Ulii )miwi'Ih open hv ninili'i'ilUi (MtMliirllcs iiiul CM IIS. Mini lliiis iisslsl. IIh' UidiicyM III 

cxiHTiiUiiK 111.' cIlV iiili'i'liilH I'l'diii riid lilond. 'I'lic MdiicvM iiNiiiilly iii'l. lively 

imdiig'li, lull sluiiilil llii'v iiol ilo HO, (liui'iil.ic.H kUouIiI imi, be ;^ivi'ii iluriii!.': Ilii' ciirly 
HtllJJOS, IIM tllcy U'iPlllil liiiisl, likely ilU'l'l'llHI! Ule lllicil(l\ exiCHNive eniiL;'eslliili. Allow 
pli'iily 111' I'lesli wilier 1111(1 ■■(inil, mil riliiiiiH. eiisily diKeMlcil fn.id. i I' llie Miiiiiiiil will 
eiiL 

After the Hiii'oiid ill- lliird dii.v. should tiiei'e lie ^'ri'iit deliility, vi'^elaldi' louien 
Willi alcoluille. NtliiiulaiitH nIiiiuIiI lie ;(lveM ill iiiimIiu'iiIIiiii. 'riin iillliiial Khniild lie 
turned ('roiii side In Hide three or four limes dully, hut on no aeeoiiiit iii'j!'ed to n'et up, 
liorKlioiild Hliii.lTM ever lii^ used, as lliey only ii!;;.',ra vnle llie i'iimi> and reliird llie reeov 
iiry. When tiii' iiiiiiuiil is lit lo be up, he will i^et up al willioul iir-iiu;. 

Should Nome (le;;i'ee of piiralysiH remain afli'r two or tlin^i wihiUh, mux voiiiiea 
coiijoiiKMl with diuretics are to he used. In mild ciiHes, a ^I'litle ealhartle, witli a 
day or two of rest, is sulllciiuit. The proffrimH is ravoraliln, most canes maiiiiiK a 
rapid and (MUiipiete recovery. In the more severe eases, if the aiiiiniil liiM'omes ipiiet 
afti^r 1:3 to ilO hours, witli regular, not much ipiieiu'iied pulse, the iippetlle reliiriis, 
and tlie iininuil lies a liirne part of the liiiii^ upon his eliesi ; rei'overy niiiy bi^ looked 
Tdl', iilthouKli the animiil liiiiv he iiiinble to rise for live or six days. 

When the aniinal eolitliiiies resth^ss and weiiU, will not lie upon IiIh clieHt except 
whiui liold, refuses food almost entirely, llie pillne lieeomeH weaker and ipilcUer, with 
consideralile elevation of leinperaliire, Ihi' ease is to be eonsidi'red a very K'rave one. 



The liormi is takun Hiiildciily, falls dow 
moHt cMimpletoly lost In posterior ex 
trunilties. No iiKU'ciiHii in the pulsa- 
tion ; tompnratiirn will lie found at lO'J' 
lo l(l!t". The usual remedy Is to kIv" h- 
Hharp cathartic (see " I'liysieUiiif? "), and 
liavo the iinimal )ilnced in sliii/,'s. Next 
ajipiy Htiinulatin;{ eiiibrociitioiis to the 
Hpine, and ffive one of tiie followim^ 
balls every elfflit hours : 



I'AK.M.NMS. 
lid 



HeiiSMlioii al- 



Aleoholic extract li('lliuloi\iia 
liroiiiidi^ potass ,. , 




l,ii|Uoi'ice root sulllciciit to make into 
six liails for tile llrsl stiiKc 

This In'atmeiil slionhl be persisted in 
for llie rirsl four days, IhoroUKhly hath 
iii;r the animarN hind ipiarlers with 
niUHlard water, and Ucepiiif? up llie 
HlimiilanlH to llio Hpine until sore. Tlii^ 
ai)pli(;ation of a fresli shecpsUiii or a 
hoi Halt baUi to the loins would he still lictlcr. 

There is aiiolher ilillliiilty wbieli ri'seinliles spinal paralysis, namely A/ol,aria 
(treiitmcnt for which Is ^iveii iiiider tliiit lieiiil). As in the llrsl ciise, tJie aniiniil 
drops, and loses all power lo j_;cl, up. in spiiiid piiralysis there is a losH of Hi^iiHatlon, 



l<'i(i. n;ih. Short-nor.koil Horsos Mast Suli|ocl 
lo this Troiililo. 



528 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



and a constant dribbling of urine, and involuntary fecal passage. Temperature 102° 
to 10a°. No perceptible change of color in urine. In Azotaria the animal has sud- 
denl}' ])artiiil loss of sensation, the urine and feces not voided. No perceptible rise 
in temperature. The urine, if withdrawn from tlie patient, will be of a coffee- 
brown color. The animal is uneasy, struggling and sweating over the flanks, and ia 
great pain. 

This difficulty is usually found in short-necked horses that are fed too much 
grain. Scarcely ever find horses in moderate condition subject to it. — Dr. Meyer. 

Tetanus, or Lock-jaw. 

This disease is wholly of a nervous character, being a peculiar 

irritability of the ner- 
vous system, inducing 
constant spasmodic 
contraction of the vol- 
untary, and after a 
time the involuntary, 
muscles, and is very 
fatal unless treated 
skillfully and careful- 
ly. It is more com- 
mon in the extreme 
South than in the 
North ; and is more 
liable to occur during 
the warm months. 
Symptoms. — In the first stage there is a disinclination to move ; 
then the tail becomes erect and quivers, the ears set back, and the 
conjunctiva is thrown over the pupil of the eye, and the head is el- 
evated, with the muzzle and facial muscles contracted, the nostrils 
open, and the whole expression of the countenance haggard and ex- 
cited, evincing great suffering. (A good idea is given by Fig. 839.) 
As the disease advances, the muscles all over the neck and 
body become stiff" and rigid, and the legs have the appearance of a 
four-footed stool. The animal has little or no power to move. 

For the first few days the teeth remain apart, but as the disease 
advances, the muscles of the jaw become so contracted as to bring 
them close together. Hence the name " locked-jaw." 

The bowels are constipated, the urine scanty, and passed with 
difificulty. The pulse is usually not very high, but is easily raised 
by excitement ; he is very nervous, starts and quivers when any 
one approaches him. His appetite remains good, and from inability 




Fig. 839. — Symptoms of Lock-jaw. 



TENT ANUS, OR LOCK-JAW. 



529 



to feed, his hunger amounts to starvation ; he will make every effort 
to suck up gruel or fluids, when, from the fixity of the jaws, he is 
unable to masticate. The breathing, at first not much altered, be- 
comes difficult and loud. The symptoms generally reach their cli- 
max about the third or fourth day. 

The causes of this disease are numerous. It commonly occurs 
in consequence of wounds, when it is called traumatic tetanus; in 
which case it is not developed until about the period the wound is 
■considered healed ; it may occur from causes not apparent, when it 
is distinguished as idiopathic tetanus ; but it is generally produced 
from a wounded nerve or bunch of nerves, pricking the tail, and 

very often from docking, punc- 
tured wounds in the feet from 
glass or nails, and sometimes 
from exposure to cold. Sum- 
merville says, " I have known 
one case to occur from fright." 
Worms and other intestinal ir- 
ritation sometimes give rise to 
it. The pulse is almost normal 
for the first few days. As the 
disease advances, the pulse 
quickens, and the animal is com- 
pelled to stand on his legs un- 
If favorably, a relaxation of the 




Fifi. 840. — A Test for Lock jaw. 



til death, if it terminates fatally 

muscles begins from the fifth to the seventh day. 

Treatment. — First, as the disease is of a nervous character, qui- 
etness is of the greatest importance. The animal should be re- 
moved to an isolated place, or cool, dark, roomy loose box, by him- 
self, and the cause of the disease found. If from docking, the next 
joint should be taken off the tail. If from a wound in the foot, the 
wound should be opened up and made new, and an application of 
digestive ointment inserted, so as to produce a healthy flow of mat- 
ter. Or, as soon as opened up, diligently foment with warm water, 
after which cover with belladonna, and apply poultices of linseed 
meal and opium or hyoscyamus to soothe and allay the irritation, 
and give promptly at the same time a strong purgative, such as — ■ 

AI0C8 (Barbadoes) 7 dr. 

Calomel 3 dr. 

Given in solution or ball, as most convenient. 

Injections of alkaline solution of aloes should also be given, as 
it is of the greatest importance to get the bowels open early. Bella- 
34 a 



530 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

donna in half-drachm doses should be given four or five times a day. 
If it cannot be given otherwise, place it up in the cheek, when he 
will suck it up. 

He must be kept perfectly quiet, and the box cool and dark, no 
one being allowed to go near him but the attendants, and they 
must go about him noiselessly. A newly flayed sheep-skin should be 
laid over the loins, and well covered up to excite perspiration. 
Very high authorities claim that blisters and other irritating treat- 
ment must be avoided. He must be treated as in a nervous fever, 
while average good authorities advise having the spine rubbed well 
with a strong liniment, such as one part aqua ammonia, two parts 
sweet-oil ; to be repeated daily until the back becomes sore. He 
should be allowed all the nutriment he will take ; and when he can- 
not eat, sloppy drinks of linseed tea, barley water, well-boiled oat- 
meal gruel, etc., should be frequently placed within his reach. 

It may run its course in four or five days, or it may continue 
for one or two weeks. It very often proves fatal. 

Dr. Mc Beth, of this city, who has had excellent success in the 
management of this disease, informs the writer that he has recently 
had two very severe cases, both idiopathic. The worst, owned by 
W. M. Merritt, of this city, had run four days, with jaws entirely 
fixed, before being called. His treatment is, first sharp cathartic, 
aloes, with enemas to encourage action of the bowels, with half- 
drachm doses of belladonna, in some cases even more ; in this case, 
being a very desperate one, he gave drachm doses of solid extract, 
every three to four hours, with counter irritation over the spine, 
and generous nourishment as described. 

He of course found great difficulty in giving the medicine, being 
compelled to push the aloes up into the mouth with a piece of stick, 
until a sufficient amount was taken up to produce a free action of 
the bowels. 

Stringhalt. 

This is a peculiar jerking or pulling up of the hind legs when 
walking or trotting, familiar to every one. It is most severe during 
cold weather when the horse is led out of the stable, also after a 
hard drive, and is much better when driven and warmed up. Many 
horses that have but a slight touch of it may move off showing so 
little evidence of it as to escape notice. If suspected, back the horse 
up hill, especially after standing awhile, or when cool, and he will 
show it most clearly. 

It is claimed that colts suffering from worms, and horses suffer- 



THUMPS. 



531 



ing from derangement of the digestive organs, will show some tem- 
porary jerking of one or both hind legs, from which they recover 
under good keeping and mineral tonics. The writer has never 
known a case of stringhalt to be cured. There are a great many 
theories and pretended cures, but I know of none worthy of 
mention. 

Thumps, or Spasmodic Action of the Diaphragm, 
commonly called thumps, is caused by severe and long-contin- 




Fio. 841. — The Circulatory Apparatus Indicating the Position ot Heart, Arteries, and Diaphragm. 

ued driving and hard work. Horses of a nervous temperament hav- 
ing too much cold water given to drink on a cold morning, nervous 
irritation, severe work or excitement from any cause, may excite 
this trouble. 

Symptoms. — A sudden jerking or twitching of the muscles of the 
sides and flanks ; pulse wiry, quick, and low ; more or less fever ; 
extremities natural. 

Treatment. — This disease being of a purely spasmodic character. 



532 DISICASES AM) TIIRII! THE AT M EST. 

but in tliis c;isc wliolly of ;i nervous nature, Ijlccdinj^ must be omitted, 
and must be treated wholly by giving spasmodic remedies. Give 
asafetida, in a dose of frnni 1 to .'! ounces of the tincture, mixed in 
a half ])int of water. (;i\in as a drench, it will stop it almost in- 
stantly. 

If necessary, tin- nicdiciiu- ma)- be repealeil in two hours. Keep 
the horse well clollicd, and ,ill exciting causes away from him. 
The bowels should be ki pt loose and regular, by giving bran mashes 
and niddcrate e.vercise. 

l.vMriiANcrns \V'i;i;i) — Monday Morninc 1.i:c.. 

This disease is attributed to high feeding and insufficient exer- 
cise, generally in working-horses. Those having worked steadily 
are kept standing in the stable for a few days, given all they can eat, 
when on ri morning the animal will be found lame. This usually 
occurs in ilra\' horses. The owner conus in late Saturday night, 
and feeds ; on Sunday lie givi'S an r.xlr.i allowance, enough, to last 
all da\' ; the horse eats all. Perhaps the owner does not come again 
until the following day, when he finds his horse is unable to back 
out of the stall. I'"or this reason the tlisease is called by some Mon- 
day morning leg. It usually affects one of the hind legs, and is an 
infl.imniation of the lymjjhatics. The left leg is usually affected. 

The leg is swollen, is favored and held from the ground ; the 
swelling extends on the inner side from the foot up to the body. 
There is heat, and great tenderness to the touch. Horses that have 
once been attacked by lymphangitis are liable to a recurrence time 
after time, until the limb assumes permanently an enlarged con- 
tlil ion. 

J'ri-ii/iiiciit. C'lotlu' llu- animal warmU' and give a moderate 
purge, and balhe the affected limb with very hot salt water 'i^ or 4 
times a day. After each bathing, apply the following lotion : — 

'riiiiiiur of arnica 2 oz. 

WllIlT 1 pt. 

I'"eeil no oats or stimulating fooil, simplj' bran mashes, to which 
add plenty of salt ; after the third or fourth day feeil one of the fol- 
lowing powders morning and night : — 

lodiiio of ])olii8.s 2 oz. 

IJicarlionato of (lotass 1 J oz. 

I'owdercil {^ciiliaii root 3 oz. 

Mix and make into 10 powders. 

In S to 1<> days, when the sj-mptoms have disappeared, if any 



l'EniTOi\ITlH. 533 

swelling remains, tiiere bcins,' iki i)aiii, apply for a few times an 

ointment. 

M(M-(urial ointinont 2 oz. 

Iddiiic (liiitnient \\ oz. 

Viis(!liiiL' 4 oz. 

Make into a salve. 

TiiK Pkkitoneum. 

The peritoneum is the thin serous membrane which lines the 
cavity of the belly, and is reflected over the organs contained within 
it, forming a complete covering to them. It also suspends and re- 
tains them in their proper relative positions by its folds and reflec- 
tions, vulgarly known as the caul (omenta). This membrane also 
secretes a delicate serous fluid for the purpose of lubricating the sur- 
face, so as to prevent friction during the ceaseless motions of the 
viscera. It is also the matrix over which the blood-vessels are dis- 
tributed to the organs contained in the belly ; hence the inflamma- 
tion of these organs is apt to extend along this vascular-investing 
membrane, constituting peritonitis. 

I'KKITONITI.S. 

Peritonitis occurs in two forms, acute and chronic. Acute per- 
itonitis, as a primary disease, is not very common in the horse. 

Causes. — It is usually caused by external violence, as from be- 
ing hooked by a cow's horn, or staked in jumping a fence ; it also 
sometimes follows castration, operations for hernia, and other oper- 
ations involving a division of it, and occasionally from e.xjjosure to 
dam[) and cold, especially when heated. 

Syiiiptonis. — It usually sets in with shivering fits, general uneas- 
iness in the region of the abdomen ; quick, short breathing ; pulse 
quick, small, and wiry ; tenderness on pressure on belly ; lying 
down and rising frequently ; he moves about uneasily in his box, 
and is very feverish ; the bowels are costive, and he strains occa- 
sionally. The pain is not so violent as in colic or inflammation of 
the bowels, for which it is apt to be mistaken. 

Treatment. — Relieve the bowels by injections, give a brisk jnir- 
gative, as six drachms of aloes, with a drachm of calomel. Drachm 
doses of extract of belladonna or hyoscyamus should be given every 
hour, for three or four doses ; or tincture of aconite, from fifteen to 
twenty drops every two hours, in a little cold water, till the fever is 
subdued. Apply smart counter-irritation to the whole surface of 
the belly by rubbing in a strong liquid blister. The treatment of 
peritonitis does not differ very materially from that of enteritis, or 
inflammation of the bowels, which see. 



534 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

TEE STOMACH. 

The stomach is that pouch or bag into which the food passes 
from the gullet, and in which it undergoes the primary and essential 
changes in the process of digestion. The stomach of the horse is a 
comparatively small organ ; its shape is generally compared to the 
air-bag on a pair of bag-pipes. It has two openings, the cardiac, 
into which the food enters from the gullet, and the pyloric, through 
which it passes into the bowels, or gut. Its inner surface is lined 
by two distinct membranes, a ciiticular and a villous. The former 
lines the cardiac portion, and is white and wrinkled ; the latter 
covers the pyloric, and is yellowish red, soft and velvety to the 
touch. The latter is the true digestive stomach. In it the gastric 
juice is secreted, and the essential process of chymification, or the 
formation of the food into chyme, goes on, the former being merely 
for macerating and further triturating the masticated food. 

Indigestion. 

Indigestion in one form or another is very common in the 
horse. It occurs in two forms, which may be distinguished as acid- 
ity of the stomach, or heart-burn, and acute indigestion, or total 
arrestment of digestion. 

Acidity of the Stomach. 

Acidity of the stomach arises from bad food and irregular feed- 
ing. 

Symptoms. — The animal is observed to lose condition ; the skin 
is dusty and unthrifty ; he is continually poking and picking among 
the litter, licking out the corners of the manger, occasionally stretch- 
ing out the nose, and pouting the upper lip. If turned out, he licks 
earth or sand, and evinces a depraved appetite ; at work he is easily 
sweated ; his bowels are irregular, the dung being light-colored and 
glazed. 

Treatment. — Change the feed, give sweet, well-cured ha)', a few 
bran-mashes, and gentle walking exercise. Give him the following 
laxative ball : — 

Barbadoes aloes. .v- 6 dr. 

Orouiul ginfTor 3 dr. 

Carbonate of soda 2 dr. 

Make into a ball with molasses or lard. 
Place a lump of rock salt in his manger, and give a little car- 
bonate of soda or magnesia twice a day in the feed. When recovery 
begins, give him tonics for some time, with identic exercise. If he 



ACUTE INDIGESTION. 535 

persists in devouring the litter, muzzle him up for a few days. This, 
if neglected, is apt to run on to diabetes or jaupis. 

Acute Indigestion. 

Acute indigestion is very common in this country, especially in 
the spring, from the continuous hard work, and necessarily liberal 
feeding. It is usually induced by overfeeding, that is, eating too 
much at a time, more especially when the animal has been fatigued 
and hungry. It sometimes occurs from his breaking loose in the 
night, and gorging himself at the corn-bin. Another frequent cause 
is overloading the stomach with clover or green feed when wet ; 
this often induces violent and fatal indigestion. 

Symptoms. — Digestion may be arrested, either by "the food un- 
dergoing no change, forming a dangerous load, or running rapidly 
to frightful fermentation." In the former case the animal is dull and 
stu])id, the pulse is slow, and the breathing oppressed ; he is stiff, 
and inflammation of the feet, or acute founder, is apt to set in. If he 
have access to water, it speedily sets up fermentation, gas being 
rapidly evolved ; the stomach is greatly distended, the belly swol- 
len, colicky pains set in, he rolls about in great agony, looking wist- 
fully at his flank, kicking his belly with his feet ; he tosses about in 
despair, the bowels being unmoved. He gets up and down fre- 
quently, the sweat rolls off him in streams, and in many cases death 
puts an end to his sufferings in from four to six or eight hours, 
caused by rupture of the stomach or bowels, or violent inflammation 
of the intestines. 

Treatment. — It is more easily prevented than cured, by simply 
attending to the following rules : Never let a horse get too hungry ; 
never give him too much at a time ; never put him to work on a full 
stomach ; and never let him drink too freely after eating, and we 
will seldom see this fatal disease. 

Treatment must be prompt to be effectual. The following 
drench will be found useful : — 

IJHrh.adoes aloes 8 dr. 

Liquor ammonia 1 fl. oz. 

Or, spirits of turpentine .' 3 fl, oz. 

Dissolve the aloes with a little carbonate of soda, in nearly a (jiiart of warm 
water, and add the other. 

Rub the belly well, and apply cloths wrung out of boiling water 
diligently to it. Give copious injections of soap and water, or a 
mild infusion of tobacco or tobacco-smoke. If no relief is obtained 
in one or twoTiours, give at intervals of an hour, two drachms car- 
bonate of ammonia, \ ounce ginger (powdered), in gruel. 



Chapter XXIY, 



THE FOOT. 
Pricking in Shoeing, Stepping on Nails, Glass, etc. 

THE foot is made up of the coffin-bone (os pedis), the lower end of 
the small pastern bone (os corona), and the navicular bone(osna- 
vicularis), with the tendon of the flexor pedis, which passes over 
the navicular bone, and is inserted in the soleof the coffin-bone, a vari- 
ety of illustrations of which I give. The surface of the coffin-bone 
is covered by laminae or thin plates, running from above downward, 
fitting into corresponding plates on the inner surface of the hoof. 
The sole is also covered by a sensitive structure which is villous, 
that is, presenting elevations and depressions, which fit into recipro- 
cal horny villi on the sole of the foot. At the back part of the 
sole we have the sensitive or fatty frog, covered in a similar manner 
by the horny frog. These, with the coronary ligament (which occu- 
pies the groove in the upper margin of the wall of the hoof, and 
from which the hoof grows), and the coronary frog-band, blood-ves- 
sels, nerves, and lymphatics, constitute the foot of the horse. (To 
make this more plain, I include drawings of different views of the 
hoof; reference can also be made to illustrations in " Shoeing.") 

Accidents and injuries of the foot constitute the principal 
bruises, — stepping on stones, sharp bodies, treads, etc., and are also 
causes of lameness. It is liable to injury from various causes, as oc- 
casionally participating in constitutional derangement ; but by far 
the greatest amount of injury arises, directly or indirectly, from 
shoeing. 

Sometimes, from carelessness, a nail penetrates the sensitive 
part of the foot (usually called the quick). Sometimes the nail itself 
does not penetrate, but is driven so close as to cause the wall, in its 
course, to press on and bruise the quick, (something like Fig. 843,) 
giving rise to inflammation, and usually terminating in suppuration. 

Serious trouble is also liable to be caused by driving the nails 
deep and clinching them tightly, as this will bend the nails more or 
less inward upon the soft parts, causing a binding, uncomfortable 
(536) 



THE FOOT. 



5.37 




pressure that produces a soreness, and sometimes very serious in- 
flammation. 

Symptoms. — Lameness may appear in a day or two, sometimes 
not for a week. The foot is found to be hot and tender, and the 
least tap with the hammer causes pain ; in moving, the animal sets 
tlie foot down so as to throw the pressure off the tender part, and 
when standing he will rest the foot. Sometimes the leg swells con- 
siderably ; the swelling is sometimes painful, and is very apt to mis- 
lead the inexperienced. 

Treatment. — Remove 
the shoe, and having with 
the hammer or pincers 
discovered the faulty nail, 
thin the sole around it, 
and with a fine drawing- 
knife follow the course of 
the nail till the matter is 
evacuated ; make a free 
vent for it, and immerse 
the foot in a warm poultice 
for a day or two. When 
the symptoms subside, the 
shoe may be applied, and the sole filled with tow and tar, or Friar's bal- 
sam, tincture of myrrh, etc., retained by cross slips or a leather sole, 
care being taken not to bruise the sole. The crust at the injured 
part should not rest on the shoe. fFor further details, see page 349 
in " Shoeing.") 

If the nails are driven so deep as to bind, which, as before 
stated, is a very common occurrence, particularly in feet with thin 
hoofs, the first thing to do is to remove the nails ; if much inflam- 
mation, poultice until relieved ; then let the shoe extend farther out 
under the crust, and drive smaller nails, using care not to drive deep. 

If a nail has been driven into the foot, get the horse to the sta- 
ble as quick as you can, and take off the shoe. If not done before, 
remove the nail, glass, or whatever it is, from the foot carefully. 
See that no part remains, and remove a little of the hoof from 
around the opening. Drop a few drops of Friar's balsam or com- 
pound tincture of benzoin into the orifice, both of which can be ob- 
tained in almost any drug store. If this is not obtainable, use the 
simple digestive ointment (given under head of "Cuts "),and cover the 
foot with a large flaxseed poultice. If the injury is at all severe, 
give a sharp dose of physic, and let the animal stand quiet. The 



-The Horse as he Usually Rests the Foot 
when Lame. 



538 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



object is to keep down the inflammation. No hot oils or anything 
stimulating- is to be applied. If there is much inflammation, omit 
digestive dressing until after it is reduced by poulticing, when dress 
with digestives. 

There is liable to be tenderness if the sole should strike the 
ground afterward, as there may be inflammation of the periosteum, 
to relieve which, put on a high-heeled shoe, and blister around the 
coronet. The sole is sometimes bruised by the shoe pressing upon 
it, causing much inflammation and lameness. Take off the shoe, 
poultice for twenty-four hours or more ; fit the shoe so as to remove 
all pressure from the sole ; if sore yet, continue the poultice ; if 
matter is formed, treat as you would any simple ulcer, with a heal- 
ing astringent. Several good preparations are given in another part 
of this -work. 

Foot Lameness.* 

Symptoms. — Horse goes gradually sore, walking tender either behind or before. 
As a rule comes in one foot; if in the hind foot, tries to 
put the heel down first. Not much fever in the feet. No 
apparent cause ; hard to locate the trouble. The only diag- 
nosis is by tapping the wall of the foot, which will give 
a hollow sound. It is all due to want of cell-growth or 
nutrition of horn cells, which will cause the wall or hoof 
to separate from the true foot. At the start the horse may 
travel sore or tender, growing worse gradually for two or 
three months ; finally the horse becomes very lame. 
There is no fever ; no pain by pressure or hammering. 
The only point noticeable is by the hollow sound of the 
wall when hammered upon. 

By examining the sole of the foot at the point where 
the sole and wall are united, by pricking there with a 
probe, a granulating substance will be found — little dry 
fibers of horn, which are the dead horn-cells. These can 
be found and pricked clear up to the coronary band, with- 
out causing any feeling to the horse. 

Treatment. — Clean out the foot properly, and pour nitric acid into the crevice 
made until all the dead part is cleaned out. Then put on a plain shoe so as to pro- 
tect the sole and wall ; fill out the bottom with oakum and hot tar ; next fire all 
around the coronary band, the same as for ring-bone, and apply a sharp blister, and 
allow the horse to stand five or six weeks. If by the third week there is no sign of 
bealthy horn, the blister may again be applied. But there is usually after three or 
four weeks a good noticeable growth of healthy horn. 

After this, but little more can be done than to exercise the horse moderately, 
until the new growth of horn-structure has grown down. 




Fig. 843.— Rucking. 



* Dictated by Dr. Charles A. Meye 



GRA YE ling: 639 



Seedy Toe. 



This is the name given to a dry, mealy secretion of horn, which 
is sometimes seen to take place between the horny and sensitive 
sole at the toe. It is seldom seen in this country, owing to clips be- 
ing not much used. 

Causes. — It is generally caused by large clips being hammered 
firmly on the toe, bending in the hoof, and bruising the part. 

Symptoms. — Pain and lameness, with heat and tenderness, on 
pressure at the toe. The horn is dry and mealy, and matter is gen- 
erally found at the bottom of it. 

In bad cases, horny processes are found pressing inward, pro- 
ducing absorption of the coffin-bone, with a tendency for fungus 
growths to shoot up, producing a very troublesome disease. 

Treatment. — In a simple case, open it up, cut down to the bot- 
tom, add poultice for a few days, when the shoe may be applied ; 
remove the pressure by cutting down the crust, and fill it up with 
tow and hot tar, when it will soon get well. 

In bad cases, with fungus and bony absorption going on, free 
incisions must be made; sometimes it will be necessary to cut 
through the wall. Caustics must be freely used, such as muriate of 
antimony, dilute hydrochloric acid, etc., with pressure judiciously 
applied ; the process may be arrested, and the part healed. 

When there is want of cell-growth, with a separation of the wall 
from the inner structure, which is very common in horses that have 
been driven hard, or been partially foundered, another high authority 
advises the following, which is practically the same as that given for 
foot-lameness : — 

Treatment. — Thorough and repeated blistering around the coronet. Next pour 
boiling hot tar or even corrosive substance, such as muriatic acid, butter of anti- 
mony, spirits of salts, etc., into the cavity formed. 

Whenever there is a separation of the wall from the sole, with weak or slow 
growth of horn, this is effectual if there is any life in the parts. 

In severe cases, as first explained, the firing-iron is necessary, 
first cleaning out the dead part and filling in with hot tar, etc. 

This is added in order to give a little more extended idea of th? 
method of treatment. 

Graveling. 

A small stone, gravel, or dirt becoming imbedded under the 
shoe at the point of the heel between the bar and frog, usually the 
inner heel, and working through the sole into the quick, is called 
graveling. If not removed, it will in time work up through the cor- 



540 niSHASES AND THEIR TBEATMEXT. 

onet, or cause matter to form which will burrow between the wall 
and the sensitive sole. 

The horse shows more or less lameness on the trot ; is aggra- 
vated when driven over hard ground or trotted fast. If not inter- 
fered with, the lameness continues for about three months, when the 
gravel usually works through the coronet, making a small break in 
the skin, after which the lameness disappears ; but should the mat- 
ter be confined to the sole and surrounding parts, it is liable to 
cause considerable disturbance and injury to the foot. 

When a horse shows lameness without any apparent cause, this 
part should be carefully examined, 1. To discover if the sole is 
broken at the point of the heel ; 2. By slight tapping against the 
wall of the part with a small stone or hammer, to find if there is any 
unusual sensibility ; 3. By resting the hand gently upon the part, to 
see if there is any increased heat, which would of course point to 
the seat of trouble. Sometimes gravel works into the sensitive part 
in consequence of the sole being denuded to relieve a bruise or 
corn. The point is to remove the cause of irritation. If much in- 
flammation and pain, poultice ; this will lower inflammation, and aid 
in soaking out and removing any foreign matter accumulated. 
When this has been done, saturate a pledget of tow with tincture of 
myrrh, or tar ointment, or Friar's balsam, and insert into the part, 
covering it completely. Next, fit a shoe so there will be no pressure 
upon this part, and nail on. It will usually be found necessary to 
put on a bar shoe until the heel is grown down again and will bear 
pressure. 

Bruise of the Sole. 

The sole is liable to bruise from the shoe being improperly 
seated, sometimes from sand or gravel being impacted in the web of 
the shoe, or by " picking up" a stone, which, getting wedged in the 
foot, bruises the sole. 

Symptoms. — Lameness first attracts attention to it ; in removing 
the shoe, the sole is found tender, and the foot hot ; on paring the 
sole, it is found discolored at the bruised part. 

Treatment. — A few days' rest may be necessary, with the foot 
immersed in a poultice, or stopped with some emollient dressing ; 
and by using a leather sole or felt pads for a short time, it disappears. 

Treads, or Calks. 

Injuries to the coronet are very common, especially in the 
Northern States during the winter months, when horses with sharp 
calks are driven or worked on rough, icy roads or deep snow, par- 



TREADS, OR CALKS. 



641 



ticularly in the woods. Treads, or calks, usually happen on the 
hind foot, by the horse accidentally setting one foot on the other, or 
another horse stepping on it. In ordinary cases, if not cut very 
deep, all that is necessary to do is to cut the hair from the edges, 
sponge or clean out any hair or dirt that may be driven in, and pour 
on a little kerosene oil, followed by a little hot tar, or the parts cov- 
ered with hot tar will be sufficient. 

But if the cut is deep, it will sometimes prove to be a very se- 
rious difficulty, and require prompt attention to prevent serious in- 
flammation of the parts. The first thing to be done in such a case 
is to carefully remove any dirt or other foreign matter. When 
thoroughly clean, it may be bound up with a pledget of tow dipped 





Fig. 844. — The Coronet as it 

Usually Appears when 

Badly Calked. 



Fig. 845.— As the Hair Should 
be Clipped from the Edges 
of the Injury. 



in tincture of myrrh, or compound tincture of benzoin, or Friar's 
balsam, which, if available, will be found an excellent remedy. The 
point is now to prevent any excessive inflammation. Keep the 
horse quiet, feed bran mashes, etc., no grain ; and if there is enough 
inflammation to cause much soreness, cover the foot with a large 
hot poultice. If the soreness becomes at all excessive, at once use 
hot fomentations, following up for at least one or two hours three or 
four times a day ; after which keep the leg tied up with wet cloths, 
or poultice. If there is extreme pain, give an anodyne, or inject 
a little morphine under the skin, as a horse cannot endure pain very 
long, and continue fomentations industriously ; this, at all events, 
must not be neglected. 

In very severe cases it may be necessary to put the horse in 



542 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 




slings, if he will not lie down. When the inflammation subsides, 
but little more is necessary to be done than to let the parts alone, 

dressed with any of the prepara- 
tions before given. 

To illustrate the seriousness of 
these cases sometimes, I will refer 
to an accident of the kind to one 
of my own horses. One of my 
men, who had special charge of 
and drove a favorite pony, took it 
into his head during the winter to 
have the calks pointed with steel 
and made very sharp. While the 
pony was standing in his stall, with 
one foot resting against the oppo- 
site, he was suddenly startled by 
some one approaching, when, 
throwing his weight upon the ele- 
vated foot, the inside calk was driv- 
en well into the coronet of the op- 
posite foot. I was kept ignorant of 
the accident for several days, when 
it was made known to me by discovering the horse to be lame. The 
injury at the surface did not seem to be 
serious, but it was deep. In conse- 
quence of being driven on the road, the 
inflammation soon became so serious 
that it was necessary, at great incon- 
venience, to leave the horse behind a 
couple of weeks, the part in the 
meantime being thoroughly poulticed 
and fomented. The inflammation 
passing off, and being entirely free 
from lameness, he was again put to 
his work on the road, when the roads 
were breaking up. Driving him 
through the deep mud for a few 
miles again brought on such serious 
inflammation of the parts as to ne- 
cessitate a constant application of fo- 
mentations for hours at a time, night 
and day, for several days, to overcome it. Fig. 840 is an illustration 



Pig. 846. — As the Foot was Held During 
tlie Period of Greatest Inflammation. 




Fig. 847. — The Usual Appearance of a 

Foot Badly Calked, and Neglected 

or Improperly Treated. 



QUITTOR. 543 

of how he stood when he suffered most severely. I also give specimens 
of the usual method of sharpening the calks in winter, and as they 
should be rounded or filed to prevent serious injury. Owners should 
not neglect to look to this matter very carefully. The toe and inside 
calk especially should be rounded sufficiently to prevent any serious 
cutting. Concave shoes should be used in winter ; with such, calks 





Fio. 848. — Calks as They are Usually Sharpened in Winter. 

need not be long or sharp to give sufficient hold. Particular care should 
be taken not to have any calks or sharp shoes on when there is an 





Fig. 849.— As the Calks Should be Blunted or Rounded to Prevent Cutting. 

effort to subdue a horse. This caution must not be disregarded, as 
a horse under such circumstances is liable to cut himself danger- 
ously. 

Overreach. 

When a horse, in a fast pace, overreaches the fore with the hind 
foot, the inner rim of the shoe cutting a semi-circular flap on the 
heel or quarter, it is called an "overreach." It should be treated as 
a tread ; but when practicable, the edges should be brought together 
by a wire suture, and bound up with Friar's balsam or compound 
tincture of benzoin. 

QUITTOR. 

In all cases in which matter forms in the foot, whether from 
pricks, corns, bruises, or treads, unless it has free openings to es- 
cape by, it acts as an irritant, extending in every direction, through 



544 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



the tissues, and at last working its way to the coronet, where it bursts, 
producing a very troublesome disease, and requiring both patience 
and perseverance to effect a cure. 

Symptoms. — It is recognized by the small aperture at the coro- 
net, which seems almost overgrown with " proud flesh." The dis- 





Fio. 850— A Good Rep- 
resenlaiion of an In- 
jury by Over- 
reach. 



Fig. ^."iL — As the Edges ol 

the Wound Should be 

Trimmed before 

Dressing. 



charge is glairy and constant. On examining it with a probe, si- 
nuses are found running in all directions. The quarter is enlarged 
and bulging, and the lameness severe and protracted. 

As I cannot do better than give the treatment used by Mr. 
Gamgee,* which is recognized as the very best, I will give it in 
full :— 

After taking off the shoe, and doing all that Is necessary to the hoof, I prepare 
to inject a mixture, for the pharmaceutical combination of which I say nothing, 
though I can say a great deal for its practical efficiency. To prepare the mixture, 
take bichloride of mercury, one drachm ; rectified spirit, one ounce; after rubbing 
and dissolving the sublimate in the spirit, add half a drachm of liquor plumbi 
acetatis. By means of a small syringe, elastic gum, or pewter, with small tube two 
inches in length, and bulbous end, I inject the mixture down the sinus. This re- 
quires to be carefully but very effectually done. The direction of the syringe must 



f Joseph Gamgee, formerly professor iu the new Veterinary College, Edinburgh, Scotland. 



QUITTOR. 



54i: 



therefore be changed from the vertical to the oblique, in both a forward and a back- 
ward direction, the object being to infiltrate the mass as far as it can be penetrated 
by the innumerable small sinuses converging to the outer channel. To do this part 
well, one strong man is better than several hands, if the horse's head be held steady, 
and an assistant hand the instruments, etc. I take the horse's foot forward upon my 
knee, and, as a rule, succeed in performing the operation without giving much pain 
to cause the horse to resist ; though difficulty, requiring a little exceptional care, 
may occasionally occur when previous treatment and torture have been resorted to. 
Now for the effect that follows : The foot is released and placed on the ground, and 
once or twice the animal stamps, indicating that a smarting is produced by the caus- 
tic agent; but in a brief space of time that passes, and signs of ease are manifest. 
On examining the foot in as short a time as four hours after the operation, I have 
found the tumor sensibly subsided, and all the symptoms favorable. We have been 
iii the habit (members of my family used this excellent remedy before me) of repeat- 
ing the injection of the preparation the 
second time after the lapse of twelve to 
twenty-four hours, and again, after a sim- 
ilar interval, a third time. And this gen- 
eral rule seems to me to recommend itself, 
S'SjIIW ^"'^ admit of explanation in this way : At 
Wr ^^^^ ^■'^ ^^^ structures are so engorged that 
^ftjjp^" the agent cannot be forced through the 

morbid deposit ; but in proportion as the 
diseased structures are reached, they are 
destroyed, and shrink, and in each succeed- 

_~i«_'fc. >JX % ing application the fluid caustic is pressed 

i-ound the withered, wasted substance, until 

the whole comes away in the space of a week 

or little more, when the cure is advanced 

far, and thereafter rapidly effected. This 

represents the progress of a good cure. 

Sometimes the application has to be re- 

FiG. 853. — An Ideal Representation of a peated several times, at intervals of two or 

Foot Sliowing Bad Condition three days ; but where delay is essential, I 

of Quittor. diminish the activity of the preparation by 

adding a double portion of spirit. 

The following treatment for quittor was given the writer by 
one of the most successful practitioners in the country, who claims 
it will cure any case, in fact, leaving nothing to be desired when 
used properly : — 

In the first stage of quittor inject into every part carefully two or three times a 
day the following lotion : — 

Corrosive sublimate h oz. 

Goulard's extract 3 dr. 

Alcohol 4 oz. 

After the fourth day Inject twice a day equal parts of the following mixture : — 

Potassa chloras 3 oz. 

Potassa permanganas 1 oz. 

Hydrochloric .acid J oz. 

Water 8 oz. 




546 DISEASES AND THEIR TREAT ME XT. 

This is a splendid thing for ((uittor, and also fistulous withers. Of late, I have 
great success with it. 

A bar or three-quarter bar shoe, should be used for some time, 
and the diseased quarter cut down to keep it from pressure ; and in 
course of time the foot will become useful, if not sound. 

Thrush. 

Copying the language of a standard authority, "Thrush is in- 
flammation of the lower structure of the sensitive frog, during which 
pus is secreted with or instead of horn." It is most common in the 
hind feet, and also occurs in the fore. It occurs at all ages, and is 
frequently seen in the colt running in the straw-yard, arising from 
the acrid moisture of urine, dung, etc., softening and corroding the 
frog, and extending to the sensitive structures above. It is also seen 
in roadsters whose feet are not exposed to acrid moisture. In them 
it is caused by contraction, or the insinuation of sand and dirt inta 
the cleft of the frog, producing irritation, followed by suppuration 
of the sensitive frog, causing it to secrete unhealthy horn, and dis- 
charge offensive matters. 

It may sometimes be constitutional, as we often observe it ap- 
pear just as the coat is being changed, and other constitutional 
changes are taking place in the system. 

Symptoms. — There is seldom much lameness, unless the ani- 
mal steps on a stone, or sand or gravel gets into the cleft ; but it is 
always attended by a tender, gingerly action. The cleft of the frog 
is deeper than in health, and a thin, acrid discharge oozes from its- 
sides and bottom, emitting a characteristic and fetid odor. If not 
checked, it extends, and the frog becomes loose and ragged ; scales 
fall off in layers, exposing the sensitive parts, which are tender and 
contracted. If neglected, the entire foot may be involved, and it 
may degenerate into canker. 

Treatment. — No time should be lost, and no case, however 
slight, should be neglected. The foot must be thoroughly cleaned,, 
and all loose, detached parts freely removed. The secreting sur- 
face should be exposed, and calomel dusted on, and pressed with a 
spatula or thin slip of wood into every crevice. Keep the foot 
thoroughly dry, and more than one or two dressings will seldom be 
required. Sometimes it readily yields to cleanliness and simple 
dressings, with hot tar placed in the cleft with tow, and retained 
with cross slips, or applications of sugar of lead or sulphate of zinc. 
Or, after the parts have been washed, and the diseased part removed 
as directed, apply powdered sulphate of copper to the parts, and fill 



CAXKEH. 547 

up all parts with cotton packed in so as to keep out all dirt. If nec- 
essary, this should be repeated in a few days. 

It is generally advisable to give some opening medicine, and 
attend to the general health and exercise. 

Canker. 

Canker of the foot is apt to supervene in cases of neglected or 
badly treated thrush, quittor, or puncture, and often follows bad 
cases of grease. It is most common in heavy draft-horses, that 
are kept in damp, filthy stables, and is most prevalent about large 
cities. 

Syuiptoiiis. — In this disease we find a morbid state of the sensi- 
tive sole and frog, and instead of sound, healthy horn, fungus 
excrescences are thrown out, with an offen- 
sive acrid discharge. When aggravated, the 
whole becomes covered with a growth of fungi, 
which are,.like shreds of leather in appearance, 
with a great tendency to spread over or under- 
run the sole, separating the horny from the sen- 
sitive parts. It is very difficult to get the horn 
to grow again. 

Treatment. — In no case is so much patience re- 

_, „_„ ,. quired as in canker, — in fact, it is generally con- 

FiG. 853.— The Foot, ^ ' , . -^ , . 

Showing Canker sidered as incurable, from the difficulty experi- 

enced in suppressing the fungus, and getting the 
horn to grow again. All loose and detached horn must be carefully re- 
moved, so as to give free vent to the irritating matter. As much of 
the fungus as may seem practicable, without much bleeding, should 
be removed by the knife or cautery, and followed up by some 
escharotic, such as acetate or sulphate of copper, nitrate of silver, 
butter of antimony, or sulphuric acid. Whatever caustic is used, it 
must be applied every day ; for if neglected one day, it is apt to 
underrun the sole, and may lose more than it will regain in a week. 
Firm pressure is very beneficial, and should be constantly applied 
by means of tow, firmly impacted, and retained by means of slips 
of wood or hoop-iron slid under the shoe ; and the foot must be 
kept perfectly dry. 

The caustic may be occasionally changed. To destroy the 
fetor, chloride of zinc or chloride of lime may be dusted on, or even 
occasional dressings of dry lime will be useful. With a dressing of 
tar, in which verdigris and nitric acid, two drachms of each to one 
pound of tar, are well mixed, and applied with a degree of firm press- 
ure, at least every second day, the worst cases can be cured. 




5-iS DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Moderate work, if it can be done without the foot getting wet, 
will expedite a cure. The following is highly recommended as a 
dressing: Take equal parts of pine tar and lard, melt over a slow 
fire, and add sulphuric acid very slowly until ebullition (boiling) 
ceases. Apply this to the parts. 

SPRAINS, BRUISES, ETC. 

Sprains are so common, and so liable to spoil a horse when 
neglected or not treated properly, and in addition the treatment i": 
so simple and easily applied, that the subject is worthy of more than 
ordinary attention. On this account I have introduced several il- 
lustrations, showing the parts in the fore legs that are most liable to 
such injury. 

Sprain may be said to consist in an overstretching of the part 
(be it muscle, tendon, or ligament) to such a degree as to cause 
rupture of some of the fibers of which it is composed, in consequence 
of which inflammation is set up, and effusion takes place, producing 
enlargement around the part. 

The reason why sprains take so long to recover is, the lacerated 
fibers have to be absorbed, and new ones formed in their place, or, 
as is often the case in repeated sprain of the same part, their place 
is filled up by organized lymph, leaving a permanent thickening. 

Causes. — Natural weakness of the part sometimes predisposes 
to it. It may arise from whatever exposes the part to inordinate 
exertion, as, for instance, slipping on ice or on a rolling stone, awk- 
ward stepping, galloping on rough or uneven ground, and a com- 
mon cause is allowing the feet to grow too long, 

SymptojHs — In severe cases the part is swollen, hot, and tender ; 
the limb is thrown into a position that relaxes the sprained part. 
If extensive, we have symptomatic fever, and he refuses his food, 
the mouth is hot, pulse accelerated, etc., which passes off when the 
more acute symptoms subside. Lameness, of course, is continuous, 
thus differing from disease of the joint, in which he is always lamest 
at starting, getting less lame as he gets warmed up. 

Treatment. — No matter where the location of the sprain is, or 
what part is injured, the principle of treatment is the same, when 
we have three indications presented : First, to allay the inflam- 
matory process ; second, to promote absorption of the decayed 
fibers ; and third, to hasten the production of new ones. Most 
authors recommend either local or general depletion by bleeding 
from one of the large veins near the seat of injury, or from the ju- 
gular vein of the neck. This, however, I think is now-a-days very 



SPRAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS. 



549 



wisely dispensed with, and in my opinion is altogether unnecessary. 
The bowels must be freely opened, and kept open by laxative 
and easily digested food, such as bran mash, linseed tea, roots, etc. 
The continued application of heat or cold to the parts aids greatly 
in checking the inflammatory action. If pain and swelling are ex- 
cessive, hot fomentations continued for an hour or two, alternated 
with cold water, will be found to give most relief (For particulars 
in fomenting, see " Fomentation.") Gentle and equable pressure, 
by means of a judiciously applied bandage, is very beneficial in 
sprains of the leg. 

Rest must be given from the first, and the pa- 
tient must be turned into a loose box. Having 
by these means succeeded in subduing the in- 
flammation, one or two applications of an absorb- 
ing blister will generally remove any enlargement 
that may remain. Should the thickening and 
lameness prove obstinate, the firing-iron may be 
resorted to. (For an explanation of the method 
of using this, see "Firing in Spavins.") 

Sprain of the Back Tendons. 

Should a horse, when traveling or running 
with much force, step on a hub or stone in a way 
to bring an uneven strain upon one or more of 
the ligaments or tendons of a limb, there is lia- 
ble to be caused such a severe strain as to re- 
sult in serious lameness and injury, which, if 
neglected or not treated properly, often leads 
to permanent lameness and injury of the horse 
This is especially common in sprain of the 
back tendons. 

The principal seat of strain in the fore 
limb is in the tendons at the back part 
of the leg, usually called sprain of the 
back tendons, or back sinews. As 
these tendons (flexor perforans and 
perforatus) are the chief agents in pro- 
ducing the motions of the limbs, act- 
ing like levers over the pulley-like 
surfaces on the ends of the bones in 
their passage down to the foot, they are consequently very lia- 
ble to be overstretched and strained, sometimes in a very slight de- 




FiG. 854. — The Leg with Skin Removed, 

Showing Arteries. See Plates 

in Part on Shoeing. 



550 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



gree, and sometimes to a considerable 
extent. It may be necessary here to 
notice the arrangement of these two ten- 
dons. The muscles (perforans and per- 
foratus) arise from below the elbow-joint, 
pass down through a theca at the back 
of the knee ; below the knee they be- 
come tendinous ; the first is one of great 
strength, nearly round, and is inclosed in 
the other, which forms what is termed a 
sheath for it ; half-way down the cannon, 
the perforans is joined by a strong liga- 
ment (the metacarpal) ; the two tendons 
pass down together through a sheath 
formed for them at the back of the fet- 
lock ; the latter splits into two divisions, 
having the perforans passing between 
them ; they are inserted one into each 
side of the lower pastern bone (or corona), 
the perforans, passing down, is inserted 
into the sole of the coffin-bone, just in 
front of the navicular joint, over which 
it passes. A good illustration of these 
different parts is given in Fig. 855. 

Fig. 856 will be found an especially 
fine illustration of the perforans and 
perforatus tendons above the fetlock, 
an explanation of which is i 
included. A point here is ver 
nicely explained by White, who 
says : — 

Between these two tendons there are 
in two parts thin vascular membranes 
by which they are joined together; 
these membranes appear to serve as 
bridles, allowing the perforans tendon 
to move a little way within the per 
foratus, and then preventing anj' fur- 
ther motion. The situation of those 
membranes is about midway in the 




Fig. 855. — Tendons and Ligaments of the 
Fore Legs. 



A. flexor perforatus; B. flexor perforans; C 
metacarpal ligament ; D. superior sesamoidal lig- 
ament ; d. Bifurcation of the sesamoidal liga- 
ment; y. Continuation forward of branch of the sesamoidal ligament; F. continuation of the 
flexor perforans tendon, afterward inserted into the lower side of the os pedis; E. extensor 
tendon; M. great metacarpal, or cannon shank bone; S. splint bone. 



SPRAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS. 



551 



L_.- 



pastern. If the coffin joint happens to be extended in a way the animal was not 
prepared for, iioth these membranes are ruptured. The consequence is an effusion 
of blood between the two tendons, where- _ 

by all motion between them would be ef- 
fectually prevented, were the animal left 
to obey his own instinctive feelings. 

In most of the so-called cases of 
clap, or sprain of the back tendons, 
the ligament, and not the tendons, 
is the seat of the injury. 

Catises. — Whatever tends to 
throw unusual stress upon these 
parts may produce it, such as gal- 
loping on uneven ground, allowing 
the hoofs to grow too long, thereby 
increasing the leverage on the ten- 
don ; sometimes it occurs in leap- 
ing, often while jumping around in 
play. 

Symptoms. — The animal is very 
lame, the part is hot, swollen, and 
tender ; the limb is held forward, 
so as to relax the part ; in some 
cases he can hardly touch the 
ground. On taking up the foot 
and pinching with the fingers, he 
evinces the pain he feels. If the 
outer tendon (perforatus) is in- 
jured, we have a bulging out be- 
hind, interrupting the evenness of 
the line which characterizes the 
tendons. If the perforans, it is felt 



A. the outside nerve, or that part of it 
where the branch H communicates; B. the sus- 
pensory hgament; C. the great hgament of the 
back sinew ; D. the two back sinews, or flexor 
tendons; E. E. the exterior tendon; F. the can' 
non, or shank bone; G. the sphnt bone; H. the 
back sinews and their great suspensory ligament, 
apparently joined together; this, however, is 
not the case ; it incorporates only with the per- 
forans tendon, marked figure 2, and so inti- j.^^^ 
mately that they form one and the same substance 

at the part marked by the letter i ; the perforatus, marked figure 3, forms i 
perforans as already described in the article on " Strains; " 5, the fetlock-joint. 







856. — Flexor Tendon, etc. 

sheath for the 



552 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



between the ligament and the perforatus ; and if the metacarpal 
ligament, as is most generally the case, it can be felt between the 
bone and the tendon. 

Treatment. — As before stated, the first condition of cure is rest. 
The animal must be turned into a loose box, and if the injury is 
severe, the swollen limb must be well fomented with hot water ; cold 
may be preferable, if slight. This must kept up for more than 
an hour, when the following cooling lotion may be well rubbed in, 
and a thick woolen bandage applied, well saturated with it, and kept 
wet with cold water : — 






Fig. 857.— Showing the Back Fig. 858.— Showing Fig. 859.— Enlargement 

Tendons Considerably Thick- the Effect of Hard of the Tendons from 

ened in Consequence of Driving. Interfering or 

Repeated Injury or Banging. 
Strain. 

Niter (saltpeter) 2 oz. 

Sal-ammoniac 3 oz. 

Common salt. . 4 oz. 

Spring water. 1 pt. 

Or, the following : — 

Saltpeter 4 oz. 

Sugar of lead 1 oz. 

Muriate of amrionia 1 oz. 

Common salt 1 pt. 

Cold water 2 gal. 

Perhaps the simplest and best home treatment would be about 
as follows : — 

Make a bag as long as the limb — an old trouser's leg of good 
size, sufficiently long to extend from the hoof to above the knee, 
would be the thing. Tie a string rather loosely around the foot be- 



SFBAIiV OF THE BACK TENDONS. 553 

low the fetlock. To keep it in place, secure a wide tape or strip of 

cloth to the upper edge of the bag, pass it over the shoulder, and 

fasten to the opposite edge ; next take bran, to which add a little 

salt, and pour on it as much boiling water as will bring it to a thin 

consistence. While hot as the horse can bear, fill the bag with it. 

This will form a poultice around the part, and keep it moist and 

sweating. It can be kept hot by pouring on hot water occasionally, 

and should be renewed, if necessary, in twenty-four hours, and so 

continued until the inflammation subsides. In all cases of severe 

sprain, a purgative should be given ; it reduces the fever, and acts 

as a counter-irritant. In any event give opening, easily digested 

food. 

Having in this way reduced the inflammation, if the swelling 

still remains, apply a good strong liniment or blister. The binio- 

dide of mercury ointment is best in these cases, and should be 

repeated : — 

Biniodide of mercury 1 J dr. 

Lard 1 oz. 

A run at pasture will generally complete the cure. Sometimes, 
by repeated sprains, the tendons become considerably thickened (as 
shown in Fig. 857), in which case firing is preferable. Sometimes, 
from repeated sprains, the tendons become contracted, causing the 
animal to go on his toe ; in these cases, the operation of tenotomy, 
or cutting the tendons, is advisable. 

The following treatment for sprains, which is given for insertion 
by a leading practitioner, will be found good : — 

First wash with very hot water five or ten minutes at a time, 

then apply the following mixture : — 

Tincture opium 2 oz. 

Chloroform 1 oz. 

Fluid extract aconite .' 1 oz. 

Soap liniment 7i oz. 

To be applied two or three tiines a day after bathing the parts 
with hot water. 

If constipated and feverish, a slight purging ball should be 
given. If the case has run two or three days, and is assuming a sub- 
acute stage, then stimulating liniment must be used. The follow- 
ing may be used : — 

Aqua ammonia : . , 2 oz. 

Spirits of camphor 2J oz. 

Alcohol Tj oz. 

To be rubbed on two or three times a day until the skin be- 
comes sore. 



554 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



Breaking Down. 

The suspensory ligament is one of the strongest in the body ; it 
is placed immediately behind the cannon-bone, from the head of 
which it rises ; passing down, it divides, one division going to each 
of the small bones at the back of the fetlock (ossa sesamoides). 
(See Fig. 855.) This ligament is the great main-stay of the fetlock 
joint, and sustains the most of the weight at this part, consequently 
we frequently find it snaps asunder under the great weight thrown 
upon it in leaping, galloping, etc. It is sometimes broken above 
the division ; but more commonly, one or both bifurcations are torn. 

Causes. — Violent exertion, or sudden jerks, as is the case in 
leaping, galloping, or jumping from a hight. 

Symptoms. — It is sometimes mistaken for rupture of the flexor 





Fig. 8G(). — Method of Applying 
the Bandage. 



Fig. )S(il. — Showing Ihe 
Leg Bandaged. 



tendons ; but this is so improbable an occurrence, that we are 
almost skeptical of its occurrence at all. If it does occur, it is ex- 
tremely rare. In rupture of the ligaments, the fetlock descends to 
the ground ; but when raised, the animal can flex the foot, which 
he could not do were the tendons ruptured. It usually occurs near 
the sesamoides, when we have swelling, heat, and pain. 

Treatment. — Slinging is almost indispensable to keep the limb 
steady. Splints and bandages should be judiciously applied, and a 
high-heeled shoe put on so as to keep the parts hi situ; and 
the inflammation must be regulated by the constant application of 
cold, laxative medicine, and cooling, easily digested food, sparingly 



SPKAIiV OF THE FETLOCK. 



555 



supplied, when reunion will take place, but a permanent thickening 
is generally left. When the animal is able to use the limb, the 
slings and splints may be dispensed with, and it may be fired or 
blistered to consolidate the new fi- 
bers, and form a permanent bandage 
to the part. The horse can never 
afterward be passed as sound, nor 
will he stand much hard work. 

Sprain of the Fetlock. 

The ligaments of 
the fetlock joint 
are sometimes 
sprained, giving 
rise to swelling of 
the joint, pain, and 
lameness. Its na- 
ture, causes, symp- 
toms, and treat- 
ment differ so little 
from those of other 
parts that it is only 
necessary to state 
that the treatment 
is the same. 

But suppose we 
have a strain of the 
extensor tendon or 
of the ligaments of 
the fetlock joint, 

and the horse must be moved. In 

that case it would be necessary to 

apply a woolen bandage over the 

part carefully, drawingit tightly, and 

holding it in place by sewing it on. 

But as soon as the stable is reached, 

F 
this bandage must be taken off, and a 

loose one put on. Ifthere is notvery 
much inflammation, simply lameness and weakness, good treat- 
ment would be keeping the bandage thoroughly wet with hot vin- 
egar and salt, by pouring it on. In one instance, one of my horses, 
Turco, was so seriously sprained that he could scarcely step, the 




Pig. 802. -Turco's 

Leg as it Knuckled 

Forward. 




Showing Tendons and Ligaments 
of tlie Hind Leg. 



656 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

joint knuckling forward as shown in Fig. 862. It was absolutely 
necessary to drive him eight or ten miles. By bandaging the leg 
tightly as described, he went along quite well ; but as soon as the 
stable was reached, this bandage was taken off, and a loose one put 
on, which was kept wet as explained ; and being compelled to drive 
him every day, this treatment was repeated ; and though he was 
driven over one hundred miles in two weeks, he was at the end of 
that time entirely over the effects of the sprain. 

At another time, when in Maine, Tommy sprained the tendons 
of one of his forward legs so seriously that he could scarcely step. 
We simply raised the heel-calks of his shoe, rounded the toe, and 
bandaged the parts loosely, and kept wet as explained. Next 
morning the ankle was tightly bandaged, when he was able to do 
considerable work in the ring, and walk through to the next town, 
ten miles. This course was repeated, and at the expiration of about 
two weeks, he was all right, though in the time driven about one 
hundred miles. 

Sprain of the Perforans Tendon, or Naviculak- 
JoiNT Lameness. 
The symptoms are very fully explained under that head, page 
432, but I would Here state again, that in an acute stage, the prin- 
ciple is rest, with hot fomentations or cooling applications ; next 
aiding mobility of the parts involved to prevent irritation, by the 
construction of the shoe, etc., as explained in " Shoeing," Figs. 
562-576. 

Shoulder Lamenes.s. 

This is not very common, but is liable to happen from the limb 
slipping sideways while running in a pasture, or slipping accidentally 
on a wet plank, or ice, etc. 

To guard against error in diagnosing affections of the shoulder, 
it must borne in mind that all muscular tissue is apt to waste if it is 
deprived of its usual amount of exercise, as we frequently see in the 
shoulder, the shoulder shrinking on one or both sides, while the 
real seat of the disease is in the feet ; therefore it is very necessary 
to be able to distinguish shoulder lameness from many other affec- 
tion with which it is apt to be confounded. Many horse doctors 
and those about horses are apt to attribute every lameness they do 
not understand, and whose seat is not self-evident, to an affection 
of the shoulder. 

We have seldom any recognizable tumefaction, nor much heat, 
unless it be recent and violent. When the horse has strained the 



SHOULDER LAMEXESS. 



557 



shoulder, the limb is brought forward with a peculiar dragging mo- 
tion, as shown in Fig. 864 ; whereas if the trouble is in the foot, the 
limb will be raised and brought forward without much difficulty, 
but put down tenderly to lighten the concussion. While standing, 





Fis. 864. — As a Horse will Travel with 
Lame Shoulder. 



Fig. 865.— Dislribution of Capillaries 
in Muscle. 



the joints will be somewhat relaxed, the heel raised, with the toe 
resting upon the ground. In shoulder lameness, the head will be 
carried low, the limb brought forward with a good deal of difficulty 
and pain, and without ability to bring it in front of the other. 

Treatment. — Give a dose of 
physic, foment the shoulder 
and inside of the arm close to 
the chest with hot water, which 
is to be continued for at least 
one hour, and to be repeated 
as long as there is inflamma- 
tion ; give fever medicine three 
times a day ; give food of a 
light, opening nature, such as 
grass, bran mashes, etc., and 
keep him quiet in a box stall 
until the lameness disappears. 
One of the liniments for 
sprains, etc., may be used after 
the acute stage passes off 
This is about all that can be 
done, though some bleed from 
the inner plate vein during the 
acute stage. This method is 




Fig. 866.— Method of Putting on Bandage. 



not now often practiced, however. When the case becomes chronic, 
blisters and setons may be employed with good success. 



558 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Liniment for Shoulder Lameness. 

Aqua ammonia 2 oz. 

Spirits of camphor 2.V oz. 

Rectified spirits of vini 7^ oz. 

First, foment the part with hot 

water ; then rub as near dry as possi- ir'VV^' ^ \\^\ ^ 
ble, and apply the liniment twice a 

day until the skin is quite sore, and iK'l'' !^* . '>!iVv 

then stop for a few days ; if the lame- /I 'r'»f ^ y^^Skj 

ness is not gone by this time, renew ffl^ ''l^Ml^j?^^^ 

the treatment as before. WA' ' ' v^^^^ Jf ' ^ ■■ 

Sweeney. 

Tliis is a sprain of the muscle which fills up /SlJSall 

the posterior cavity on the outer side of the 
shoulder joint (outer tubercle of the head of 
the humerous). It occurs mainly in young 
horses when first put to plow, or in others go- 
ing on uneven ground, and stepping unexpect- 
edly into holes. In the endeavor to recover 
the equilibrium on stepjiing into a furrow or 
hole, this muscle which forms the outer sup- 
port of the joint is injured, and there results VMTWJ 
heat, swelling, and tenderness on the outside Pp^^ 
of the joint, and a most characteristic gait. Mii I 
The horse may walk, or even trot, without Il//I 
much apparent lameness ; but standing directly 
in front of him the affected shoulder is seen to 
roll outward from the body to a far greater ex- 
tent than the sound one. Soon the muscle be- !/*ifS 
gins to waste rapidly, and in bad cases the '':;~.,^ ii^^if 
shoulder-blade may be denuded until it appears 
to be covered by nothing but skin. — Law. 

» 1 ,1 ct..- n ri. • Fig. 867. — Internal Aspect of the 

A badlv fittinsj collar often ^ives *^ 

. " , . , Left Fore Leg. 

rise to It. A prominent cause also 

is some injury to the foot, which would prev^ent a proper use of 
the muscles of the shoulder, and thereby cause an atrophied, or 
wasted, condition of them. So that when there is wasting of the 
part, the foot should be carefully examined to see if there is any 
cause for it, and if so, removing the cause will of itself be sufficient to 
make a cure. 

SymptoiHs. — At first, though it is seldom noticed, the muscles 
swell up, are hot and tender ; in the course of a fen' days, the swell- 
ing has disappeared, and the muscles are becoming fast absorbed. 
In many cases this goes on till the bone can be felt. There is little 




HIP LAMENESS. 



559' 



or no pain on pressure in this stage, and no positive lameness ; but 
there is a peculiar rotary motion of the limb, from the other muscles 
having no counter-balancing power. This is sometimes mistaken by 
non-professional men for dislocation of the shoulder joint. This, 
however, cannot occur, unless it is accompanied by severe laceration, 
or even fracture. 

Treatment. — In the first instance, rest and hot fomentations are 
indicated, which, as the process of reproduction begins, should be 
followed by stimulant embrocations or mild blisters, frequently re- 
peated, with moderate walking exercise. In this case, we must 
trust more to nature than medicine ; and in time the muscles will be 
reproduced, and by gentle work and well-fitting harness he will be- 
come as sound as ever. Many do 
nothing for them, but turn them 
to pasture, and in most cases they 
come up all right. 

The simplest and most effective 
treatment for filling up the shoulder 
is the rubbing on thoroughly with 
the hand of soft soap, to which a 
little salt has been added. This do 
four or five times in the course of a 
week. This simple remedy, which 
is very effectual for this purpose, 
has been kept as a great secret by a 
leading horseman in Toledo, Ohio, 
who has repeatedly sold it for five 
dollars, first showing its effect in pj^ 
filling up the shoulder, when he 
could easily sell the prescription. 

Hip Lameness 




1. — An Ideal Representation of the 
Shoulder with Sweeney. 



Sprain of the whirl, or round bone, as it is commonly called, 
consists of a sprain of the round ligament of the femur, which holds 
the ball in the socket. Sometimes it is almost torn asunder ; but so 
strong is this articulation, that dislocation cannot occur, except as 
an accompaniment of fracture. 

Symptoms. — Very seldom any external swelling unless it is very 
severe, and the muscles surrounding the joint are involved ; whert 
by making him stand square on his hind legs, and standing directly 
behind him, and comparing one hip with the other, any enlargement 
can be easily df^tected. Sometimes we have heat and tenderness x 



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Apply Iwiii- a (lay iiiilil well. 

Knijckijng Ovkk. 

Kiiuckliiij;, or slaiuJiiifj over, is very t(jmirioii in cab and iilaj^c 
horses. It gives the animal an unj^ainiy, worn-out a|)|)earant:c. It 
may occur on one or botii knees, wliicii are bent forward, anei arc 
w.xy siiaky, or iIk- fetlocks may l>e knuckled forward. Veterinarians 
differ as t(> tlu; real nature of this condition, or as ttj the part really 
at fault. Some suppose that it is from " a relaxed and lenj(thene(l 
state f>f the ifxtensor muscles ;" others "of the lif;amentous tissue at 
the anterior ]iarl of liie joint ; " others " an inordinate contrat:li(Hi of 
the flexors, to sucii a de^jree that the erpiilibrium of the flexors and 
extensors is destroyed." iJissection, however, fails to confirm these 



562 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 




views. It appears to us to depend on contraction of the ligaments 

at the back of the joint. 

Causes. — It is generally caused by too hard work when young, 

particularly continued road-work, which causes the joints to start 
forward, as shown in Figs. 872, 873. 

Symptoms. — It requires but to be seen to be 
recognized. Instead of the beautiful, symmet- 
rical form of the limb, the joint is thrown for- 
ward, throwing the shank-bone more oblique 
and the pastern-bone more straight, giving the 
animal a jaded, tottering appearance. 

Trcatrncnt. — Some blister, or fire and blister ; 
but we think this does no good whatever. All 
we can do is to give rest ; leave the rest to 
nature. Turn him into a large loose box or 
small paddock, and feed him well, and it is as- 
tonishing how the patient will sometimes im- 
prove. 

Drs. Hamill and Meyer treat ordinary cases 
of sprung knees with very marked success, by 
lowering the heels and lengthening out the toes 
somewhat ; this can be done both by paring the 
heels down some, and using thin-heeled shoes ; 

then rubbing on the legs once or twice a day alcohol, or any good 

stimulant. The case seems to improve 

even under moderate work. Very bad 

cases are incurable. 

Broken Knees, or Open Joint. 

It is a very common occurrence in the 
horse, generally arising from accidents, 
kicks, blows, stabs, etc. It is most com- 
mon in the knee and hock ; but all the 
joints of the limbs are liable to be punc- 
tured or laid open by some accident or 
injury. 

Open joints are generally divided into 
lacerated and punctured. In the former 
we have the skin, ligaments, etc., cut 
through, and the joint laid open, as is often seen in the knee. In 
the latter we have merely a small opening (it may be only sufficient 
to admit the probe) into the joint, from which trickles the sj'novia, 
or joint-oil. 



Fig. 872. — An Ordinary 
Case of Sprung Knees. 




Pio. 873. 



BROKEN KNEES, OR OPEN JOINT. 



563 



All cases are alike dangerous, and are characterized by the 
same general symptoms, and are liable to be attended by the same 
consequences. They differ only in degree, according to the im- 
portance and extent of the cavity exposed. 

Causes. — The causes of open joint are almost invariably ex- 
ternal injury — in the knee from falling. The horse stumbles ; falls 
upon his knees ; and should the ground happen to be gravelly, hard, 
or stony, the knees are liable to be lacerated or cut through. 

In other joints the injury is usually caused by being accidentally 
stabbed or cut. 

Symptoms. — In giving an opinion in these cases, we must bear 
in mind that the joint is not always open, although we have a dis- 
charge of synovia from the wound ; we may have it from the theca. 
or sheath, of some tendon, and it requires close examination in some 
cases to say which it comes 
from. What we imply by 
the term open Joint, is where 
the skin, ligaments, tendons, 
etc., have been cut through, 
and the articulation laid 
open. 

In the first place, the an- 
imal is very lame. On ex- 
amining the wound with the Fig. 87.5— The Same with 
probe or finger, it is found "^ir Clipped from Edges 

..,,.. ^ of Wound, 

to penetrate the jomt ; we 

have a clear, oily fluid, which is very smooth and slippery to the 
touch. The discharge may be very trifling, still it is not the less 
dangerous. In most cases we have symptomatic fever, which often 
runs so high as to cut the animal off. It is recognized by the quick 
pulse, hot mouth, irregular heat of the surface, costive bowels, and 
the excruciating pain the animal evinces. 

Treatment. — This is the most important part of the subject. In 
the first place, the animal must be removed to a comfortable stall or 
loose box with a high roof, and well ventilated ; he must at once be 
placed in slings, which should be gradually tightened until his toes 
barely touch the ground. 

The wound must be washed out with tepid water, all gravel or 
dirt removed, and the real extent of the injury ascertained. The 
limb must then be placed in splints, weJl padded, and held together 
by leather straps. A very convenient plan for the knee is to take 





Fig. 874.— Broken 
Knees. 



56i DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

three slips of wood, about three inches wide, and half an inch thick, 
reaching from the elbow to the foot, with the edges beveled and well 
padded, and nailed together with three straps, which buckle in 
front. This, placed one at each side, and one behind, prevents 
flexion or extension of the joint entirely, and leaves it open to be 
dressed at pleasure, without undoing tlie splints. A large poultice 
of linseed or oatmeal should be applied cold, and continued until 
the granulations spring up from the bottom to close the wound. 
This simple plan of treatment is infinitely more soothing, and 
at the same time more successful, than the former methods 
of plastering it up with lime, flour, powdered blue-stone, oxide 
of zinc, white vitriol, etc. To some, these may seem very con- 
venient and effectual methods of stopping the discharge, and, 
doubtless, in some cases they may succeed if circumstances are 
favorable ; but in many cases when an artificial plug is thus formed, 
it merely plugs it up for a little time. By and by, ulceration of the 
skin occurs, the plug falls out before the internal parts have healed, 
and the consequence is, that we have a far larger and more danger- 
ous wound than before. In changing the poultice, be sure not to 
remove any of the coagula of synovia that may have formed around 
the opening. The poultice must be simply removed and changed, 
without washing the wound. 

When the granulations become extuberant, they can be regu- 
lated by squeezing a sponge of cold water over it, or dust on a little 
oxide of zinc. Nothing, however, must be injected into the wound, 
as is sometimes done. Punctured wounds of joints must be treated 
on the same principle ; the joint must be kept perfectly still, and 
the granulations encouraged by poultices, etc. 

Very often there are wounds in front of the knees, usually 
caused by falling or striking against some hard object, which may 
be more or less severe, according to circumstances. In a simple 
case of abrasion, but little if any treatment will be necessary ; if 
much bruised, with skin broken, tie short to a high rack to prevent 
lying down. Bandage the part tightly, and keep wet with a mild 
astringent, such as — 

Sugar of lead J oz. 

Carbolic acid .50 or 60 drops. 

' Water IJ to 2 qts. 

Keep the horse quiet until the inflammation is subdued. 

The best lotion in my judgment for these bruises and superficial 
cuts of the skin, is calendula. It has the best effect in reducing in- 



FRACTURES. oG5 

flammation of a bruise and cut of this kind of anything I know of. 
(See Calendula in list of medicines used.) 

Fractures. 

Owing to the difficulty experienced in keeping the bones of the 
leg of the horse in place to enable their reunion, with the expense 
and trouble involved, in addition to the fact that if even treated suc- 
cessfully the horse is supposed to be of but little value afterward, 
there is but little encouragement given by veterinary authorities for 
the successful treatment of such cases. But the success of Dr. Mc 
Beth, of Battle Creek, Mich., in treating ordinary fractures, has been 
so marked, and by such simple treatment, too, which is, I believe, 
peculiar to himself, not being, so far as I know, laid down in veter- 
inary works, that I am induced to give his method of treatment, 
which he kindly explained to me with permission to publish, as it 
may serve to occasionally save a valuable horse. 

He tells me that within the palst two years he has treated three 
cases with perfect success. The first, a yearling, with a split of the 
ossafraginis, or short coronary bone of the fore leg. The second, a 
four-year-old, a fracture three inches above the fetlock joint of the 
off hind leg. Third, an oblique fracture, involving the fetlock joint 
one inch above the joint of the fore leg of a seven-year-old. His 
method of treatment is as follows : — 

After providing himself with the best quality of plaster-of- 
Paris, he prepares from three to four splints made from strips of 
hickory wood, about an inch and a half in width and a fourth of an 
inch thick, of suitable length, or pieces of band iron about one 
eighth of an inch in thickness, with the ends thinned down some- 
what, and if necessary, the edges and the bar bent to fit the form of 
the part ; he next provides bandages of suitable strips of cotton 
cloth, about three inches and a half in width. While the horse is 
standing naturally, the limb is brought forward a little, resting 
easily and naturally upon the ground, when the bones are held 
gently in a proper position. The part is first covered with a bandage 
of one thickness of the cloth ; next a little of the plaster, after being 
prepared, is put on the cloth under the splints, so as to level off the 
inequalities of the surface, and give an even bearing to the splints. 
The bandage is now started from the bottom, with the aid of an as- 
sistant ; a little of the plaster is laid on quickly with the knife, in a 
layer of from one fourth to three eighths of an inch thick, when 
the bandage is brought quickly over it, and drawn tight enough to 
cause the water to ooze through the cloth ; this is continued, the 



■,C>C, DISEASES AND THEIR TREAT MEXT. 

bandage being lapped about one half of an inch, until carried be- 
yond the edges of the splints, when the process is reversed to the 
bottom, and then again to the top, making in all three layers, which 
forms a strong, unyielding cast about an inch or a little more thick 
around the part, when the horse is given freedom to take care of 
liimself in a large, comfortable stall. 

An important condijtion of success is in the preparation of the 
piaster. First, it should be of the very best quality; next, as the 
plaster will set very quickly, not more than enough for one layer 
should be prepared or attempted to be put on at a time. Put in a 
tin dish about as much plaster as will be necessary for one coat Or 
layer over the part. Pour on sufficient water to wet it well, and 
stir thoroughly for one minute. Being all ready, instantly com- 
mence putting on, laying on as stated, until the plaster becomes too 
hard, when make another batch, and continue the process, and 
when that is used, making more, and continuing until finished. 

If the skin is broken, or there is a serious cut, as the splints 
are being put on, avoid covering the spot with wood or iron, and in 
the course of from six to ten hours, a hole should be made through 
the plaster to it, when it is to be treated as an ordinary wound. 
The point is to make the casing so long and tight as to thoroughly 
support the limb, without being too heavy or clumsy, yet not to ob- 
struct the circulation. 

In each of the cases referred to, there was no swelling or other 
trouble, and consequently no after treatment. The horse was let 
alone, and in about eight weeks the cast was taken' off, when there 
was found to be a complete union of the parts without any notice- 
able deformity. 

Dr. Mc Beth tells me this method of management is original 
with himself so far as he knows, and certainly its simplicity in con- 
nection with his success, entitles him to considerable credit. Plaster 
has been employed, I understand, for this purpose, but was put on 
in such a way as to form a mass excessively heavy and clumsy, and 
consequently not favorable to success. 

Of course, when such an accident occurs, if a practitioner is 
available, he should be at once called in. The treatment is included 
mainly for the benefit of practitioners. 

Dislocation of the Patella, or " Stifle." ' 

This is most common in colts, from the outer condyle not being 
fully developed, allowing the patella to glide off and on at every 
step. 



STIFLE-JOIXT LA MEiVESS. 



567 



Causes. — It occurs generally in young animals, and is most com- 
mon on hilly pasture where the soil is gravelly ; the feet becoming 
worn and tender, causes him to relax the stifle in walking, when the 
patella is apt to slide off. It sometimes occurs from external vio- 
lence, or from interstitial absorption of the condyle. 

Symptoms. — The limb is extended backward, the foot is bent up, 
and the animal drags the limb as if it were cramped and he was unable 
to draw it forward. Cramp of the muscles of the legs is not unfre- 
quently mistaken for dislocation of the patella. But cramp is easily 
known from the suddenness of the attack, from there being no enlarge- 
ment of the stifle, and from the bending 
up of the foot. 

Treatment. — It must be returned to its 
place as soon as possible, which can be 
easily done in the following way : Make 
one or two assistants pull the foot for- 
ward, while you push the stifle back, and 
at the same time push the patella for- 
ward, when it will slip into its place, and 
the animal will walk off almost as sound 
as if nothing had happened. If it is fol- 
lowed by lameness or swelling about the 
joint, rest must be given, and to prevent its recurrence, the stifle 
may be blistered. 

A very good plan with colts, in which it frequently occurs, 
is to remove the patient to a loose box, with a level, even floor ; 
and to put a shoe on, with a tip projecting in front about two or 
three inches, slightly turned up, which will keep the muscles at- 
tached to it on the stretch, and so prevent its slipping out again. 
This may be worn for one or two months, as required. 

A good deal of a secret in relieving a horse when stifled, is to 
take short hold of the bridle or halter, so as to throw the head up 
with a jerking motion, and quickly force the horse back upon his 
heels. It is rarely the peculiar exertion will not bring the patella 
back into place ; when, by walking the horse back and forth a little, 
he will be found all rigrht. 




Fki. 870.— The Horse as he Usu- 
ally Appears when Stifled. 



Stifle-joint Lameness. 

Besides dislocation of the patella, or knee-cap, from laceration 
or extension of the lateral ligaments, we frequently find the stifle 
joint itself diseased. The condyles may be diseased, or the semi- 
lunar cartilages may be displaced. Sometimes the tendinous origin 



568 DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMEXT. 

of the flexor metatarsimagnus (the principal muscle in bending the 
hock joint) is torn or strained. This is always a serious lameness, 
owing to the flexibility of the part involved. 

Causes. — The causes are the same as in other joint-slips, blows, 
wrenches, etc. 

Sympto7iis. — In moving, the limb is held as straight as possible ; 
it is moved of a piece, as it were, the stifle is turned outward at 
every step, and the leg is swung around, and placed farther forward 
than in hip lameness. In most cases we have heat and swelling. If 
made to stand on the limb, the capsular swelling can be felt, and 
pain is evinced on pressure. 

Treatment. — Rest must be given. If the cartilages are dis- 
placed, they must be replaced by careful manipulation ; hot fomen- 
tations, or continued cold applications, must be applied ; and in the 
latter stages, repeated blisters or setons should be resorted to. 

CUTS OR WOUNDS. 

In ordinary cases they are easily managed. All that is neces- 




Fig. 877. — Syringe (or Washing out Wounds. 

sary to do is to clip the hair from the edges of the wound, remove 
any hair or dirt from it by sponging the part with warm water, and 
dress it with any of the healing preparations or digestives hereafter 
given, which will cause a secretion of yellow matter, and a healthy 
granulating process. Each day following, to be cleansed by spong- 
ing out with a lather made of castile soap and warm water, and the 
application of the medicine repeated. 

In a very serious, deep, or contused wound, if any large blood 
vessels are severed, they should be tied up. Arteries will throw the 
blood out in jets, and veins in a steady stream. If an artery is cut, 
it must be stopped promptly ; if it cannot be tied up, it can usually 
be stopped by touching it with a hot iron, or applying any good 
styptic. (See " Styptics.") Simply covering over with cobwebs will 
usually answer a good purpose. Clip the hair from the edges, also 
any bits of loose skin which would be liable to slough off; but it is 
always advisable to save every bit of skin that can be kept alive ;. 



CUTS on WOUNDS. 



569 



the part to be sponged out daily, and the dressing repeated. The 
injury will heal from the bottom, gradually filling up, by what is 
termed a granulating process. If there is serious inflammation, 
swelling, and pain, poultice ; but if poultices cannot be used to ad- 
vantage, or if pain and swelling are very severe, hot fomentations 
must be applied and continued without intermission until it sub- 
sides ; then dress daily as directed. Care must also be taken to 
keep the horse quiet in a comfortable stall, free from the annoyance 
of flies, and fed with easily digested, laxative food ; if there is much 
tendency to fever, give a small dose of physic. 

If the cut or wound is deep, dress with a tent, which is simply a 

wad of tow dipped in digestive 

ointment, which will be referred 

to farther on ; the cavity is not 

to be filled with the tent, but 

only the bottom, and then the 

wound will heal up as it ought ; 

if the wound is merely syringed 

out, or dressed superficially, it 

is liable to close over at the sur- 
face, and appear healed, while 

at the bottom the matter is 

spreading and burrowing, form- 
ing a sinus; in case there is too 
rapid granulation, or proud flesh, check it by touching with a little 
caustic. When the wound fills up, and there is not skin enough to 
cover it, dusting over it a little of the magic healing powder, or any 
of the astringents given, will cicatrize it quickly. If a wound is in- 
dolent, or does not seem to granulate, simply use a stronger stimu- 
lant ; if serious, use a caustic, which will remove the unhealthy 
parts, and set up a healthy condition of granulation. A very good 
simple stimulant to rouse an indolent ulcer to action, is an ounce of 
blue vitriol, pulverized, to a pint of water ; and for a simple healing 
or granulating effect, a lighter preparation, or about 2 drachms to a 
pint of water ; to be used as a dressing once a day. If the wound 
is deep so as to make a pouch of accumulated matter, it must be 
syringed out from the bottom every day, or better, a dependent 
opening made from the bottom, and kept open by a piece of tape or 
string passed through it, to let the matter pass off 

For deep, incised wounds, from pitch-fork, etc., the following is. 
claimed to be excellent : — 





Fig. 878— Severe 
Lacerated Wound. 



Fig. 879.— Incised 
Wound. 



570 DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 

Saltpeter 1 lb. 

Water 1 gal. 

Best whisky 1 qt. 

Inject into the wound with a syringe three times a day until a 
cure is effected. It prevents inflammation or a tendency to slough- 
ing or mortification. A gun-shot wound, a foot deep, in the thigh 
of a horse (the bail could not be found, remaining in the leg) was 
cured in two weeks by this treatment. 

In any case of sinuses being formed, they must be opened up to 

the bottom, and made a sim- 
ple wound, when it is to be 
treated as for a wound. Or, 
the pipes destroyed by a caus- 
tic introduced and repeated 
until the unhealthy part is 
' sloughed out to the bottom. A 

Fui. 880.— Small Suture Needles. very simple and effective caustic 

is that made of blue vitriol, either 
in strong solution, when it could be injected, or a little powdered 
fine in the form of a tent, which is simply a little rolled up in a strip 
of thin paper, twisted at the ends, and pushed to the bottom with a 





Fio. 881.— Large Suture Needles. 

probe. Several parcels of this kind, one after another, can be 
pushed in until the sinuses are filled. In four or five days a core 
will be formed, which will usually destroy the sinuses to the bottom ; 
if any remain, it can be ascertained, and the dressing repeated upon 
that part, until it is all made a clean wound, when it can be treated 
as before described with a simple digestive preparation. 

If there is an injury to the bone, ligament, or tendon, and not 
treated properly, a small sinus is formed, from which matter will 
ooze. In such a case, a probe must be introduced, and its extent 
ascertained ; if the sinus extends to the bone, which can be known 
by the probe striking it, a free opening should be made to the bot- 
tom, if the situation will admit, the diseased surface scraped off, 
when it can be treated as before explained, by the use of Friar's 
balsam, etc. (See " Friar's Balsam."! If all dead matter is not re- 



CUTS OR WOUNDS. 



ill 



moved, sinuses arc almost sure to again form a/"tcr the wound is 
healed, when the whole treatment must be repeated. 

Punctured wounds of the tendons, and the capsular ligaments 
of the joints, which often happen in the hind or fore legs, should be 
first touched with lunar caustic by making the stick pointed, and in- 
sert into the wound an eighth of an inch 
or more ; then if necessary, poultice. 
This class of wounds, it is found, do not 
do well by the treatment pursued in 
other wounds. So long as there is free- 
dom of the synovial fluid in pasing off or 
any irritants are permitted to enter such 
a cavity, they seem only to aggravate it. 
The point is first to stop this, which can 
be done best as directed, or by touching lightly with a hot iron ; 
keep the animal quiet, and use an astringent dressing; if inflamma- 
tion is excessive, poultice, and there will usually be no trouble. 

If clean cut, or the wound is of a character that will permit the 
edges being brought together, as in cases where the skin is widely 
separated, the point is, after sponging out the part so as to remove 
any foreign matter, to bring the edges together, and hold them in 
apposition, if it can be done without the skin sloughing, until heal- 
ing by first intention takes place ; but this can seldom be accom- 




Fio. 883. 





Fid. 884. 



plished, excepting to a partial degree, in the horse, fm account of 
the amount of muscular action of the skin; but in many cases it 
must be resorted to, and will enable holding the edges together suf- 
ficiently long to allow the wound to heal without leaving much of 
a scar. 

The stitches, which should be from three quarters to an inch 
apart, can be made by means of a curved, flat needle, with silk or 
linen well waxed. I give illustrations of different methods of do- 
ing this, which should make it sufficiently plain to be understood. 
First by stitches ; or by a[)proximating the edges by stitches passed 



573 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



around a quill or small piece of round twig placed on each lip of the 
wound, termed quilled suture. Or, pins may be passed through the 
lips at suitable distances, and a little tow or thread twisted around 
each, like the figure 8, as shown ; or the edges may be held to- 
gether by strips of sticking-plaster. A good adhesive plaster can 
be made by melting about two parts of Burgundy pitch to one of 
tallow, and spreading while hot upon cloth ; cut in strips of proper 
length and breadth, draw the edges of the skin together, and lay on 
while hot ; the parts to be dressed with a weak solution of carbolic 
acid, about in the proportion of one part to twenty or thirty parts 
water. The writer has had excellent success by the use of calen- 
dula, tincture of the garden flower called marigold. This should be 





Fig. 885. Fig. 886. 

diluted with about one fourth to one third of water ; or an)- good 
antiseptic may be used. 

The following for this purpose, obtained from one of the best 
practitioners in the country, is included : — 

In wounds where the muscles are badly contused and Ulcerated, the following 
wash has taken the precedence above all other remedies, and by far supercedes car- 
bolic acid. It acts as an antiseptic, and prevents excessive granulation. Take 1 oz. 
white vitriol or sulphate of lime, to 16 oz. water. Syringe the parts out well with 
the lotion, after being well cleansed, twice a day. By taking 1 oz. of white vitriol 
to 4 oz. of water, and penciled on the parts with a camel's-hair brush two or three 
times a day, it will cut down the excessive granulations commonly called "proud 
flesh." 

For a healing or digestive ointment, the following is unri- 



valed 



Palm-oil 2i lbs. 

Lard .2 lbs. 

Gum turpentine J lb. 

Bees-wax \\b. 

Calamine 1 lb. 



CUTS AND WOUNDS. 573 

Simmer all together over a slow fire, and it will be fit for use. 
Put a little in the wound once a day. Wash the wound with warm 
water and castile soap before applying the ointment. 

This is the favorite prescription of one of the best practitioners 
in the country, and is among the very best for the cure of cuts, 
pricks, and incised wounds in the feet, etc., that has ever been used. 
It sets the wound to running yellow matter quickly, and produces a 
healthy granulating process. 

Turpentine and hog's lard, equal parts, simmered together, with 
a small quantity of powdered verdigris stirred in, is also a fine heal- 
ing preparation for cuts and wounds. 

The following is also a fine healing preparation, good for old 
sores or injuries in the feet, etc. : — 

Tincture of myrrh 1 oz. 

Tincture of aloes 2 oz. 

Water ' 1 pt. 

To be applied once a day. 

Healing ointment for cuts, galls, etc. : — 

Oxide of zinc. ])ulverized fine. 4 dr. 

Carbolic acid 6 gr. 

Lard 1 oz. 

Melt the lard and stir in the zinc. Add the carbolic acid and 
mix thoroughly. Apply once a da\-. W'ill cause a healthy dis- 
charge from a foul ulcer. 

Magic healing powder : — 

Burnt alum 2 oz. 

Prepared chalk 1 oz. 

Pulverized gum camphor 1 dr. 

Calamine, pulverized 3 dr. 

Mix, sprinkle on the sore. 

When a wound will not heal, or there is not skin enough to 
cover it, dust on a little of this powder, and it will cicatrize it 
quickly. It is good for galls, saddle wounds, or other parts where 
the skin is thin or broken, providing there is no inflammation and 
condition requiring healing astringents. This is the original recipe 
for the famous magic healing powder, and has often been sold as a 
great secret, for from ten to twenty-five dollars. 

A good healing preparation, especially for cuts or incised 
wounds in the feet : Tar and hog's lard, equal parts, melted to- 
gether, removed from fire and stirred till cold. 

The following hoof ointment has been in use in the British 
army, and used by British farriers with decided success. It is also 



57i DISEASES AND TIIETR TREATMENT. 

highly recommended by our most eminent veterinarians in this 
country : — 

Mutton tallow 2 parts. 

White resin 2 parts. 

Barba'does tar 2 parts. 

Yellow beeswax 1 part. 

Castor-oil 1 part. 

Melt the resin and the beeswax together, then add the tallow. 
When melted, add the tar and castor-oil, then remove from the fire 
a^d stir until cold. 

This ointment is mostly used for diseased conditions of the 
feet. It is also effectual for the cure of many of the most trouble- 
some skin diseases. Blotches and cracks of the heels, to which so 
many horses are liable in winter, are cured by nothing so readily as 
by this ointment, well rubbed in, after the parts have been thor- 
oughly washed with warm water and soap. This ointment is also 
good for cattle, sheep, and sporting dogs. It is also one of the very 
best hoof ointments. See " Hoof Ointments." 

Injuries to the Tongue. 

The tongue is often injured by violence, pulling it out in giv- 
ing medicines, either by the restlessness of the animal or clumsiness 
of the operator, often by being tied up with a "hitch" of the halter 
in his mouth ; by running back, he sometimes cuts it nearly 
through. A very common cause also is the use of a severe bit. 

Treatmefit. — If not too much lacerated, the divided edges 
should be brought together by the metallic suture, and dressed fre- 
quently with the following lotion : — 

Alum 1 oz. 

Borax U oz. 

Honey 1 oz. 

Water 1 qt. 

If it is nearly cut across, it may be necessary to remove it, and 
tie the blood-vessels, and dress frequently with the above lotion. 

Tincture of marigold, called calendula, is so good for bruises 
and cuts of this character, that I think it worth mentioning. 

When in Painsville, Ohio, in 1869, a horse was brought in b\- a 
leading gentleman. He stated that the horse had the habit of pul- 
ling recklessly ahead against the bit, so much so that he could not 
be stopped, offering to wager that he would pull six men with the 
bit. Upon trial, with a breaking bit on, he pulled eight men around 
the ring. His tongue, becoming caught under the bit, was cut fully 
half off, and the mouth so badly bruised that it became terribly 



FISTULA OF THE WITHERS. 575 

swollen in a short time. I had a few ounces of calendula with me, 
which I had obtained to try its effect if opportunity presented. I 
reduced some of it one third to one half with water, and bathed the 
mouth and tongue with it thoroughly, repeating two or three times 
in a couple of hours. 

Being compelled to leave for Madison the same evening, I di- 
rected the owner to bathe the part with the preparation four or 
five times a day at least until my return. I remained at Madison 
one day, went to Geneva the next, when I again returned to Pains- 
ville to fill my engagement there, being absent three days. Upon 
examining the case I was surprised to find all swelling and inflam- 
mation gone, and the tongue entirely healed. 

A horse having lost a part of the tongue, cannot drink without 
plunging the head deep in the water. 

Cuts or Bruises of the Cheeks. 

To cure cuts or bruises of the cheeks, use inside — 

Tannin 1 dr. 

Bora.x 1 J oz. 

Water 3 or 4 parts. 

Swab the inside of the wound once a day. 
For the outside dressing, use — 

Tincture myrrh 1 oz. 

Tincture aloes 2 oz. 

Water j pt. 

Mix, and swab the parts once a day. 

Wash or sponge the parts with warm water and castile soap be- 
fore each dressing. 

The writer once had a case of very serious bruising and ulcera- 
tion of both cheeks of a horse. This treatment was prescribed by 
Dr. Braily, formerly chief veterinary surgeon in U. S. cavalry serv- 
ice, and is particularly effective for such injuries. 

During first or acute stage the persistent use of hot fomenta- 
tions, alternated with cold, will usually prevent serious trouble. This 
should not be neglected in any serious case of such injuries. 

Sore Mouth. 

The lip3 frequently become sore at the angles of the mouth 
from cutting or bruising of the bit. Tincture of myrrh and aloes, 
equal parts, applied to the sore, will soon cause it to heal. 

Fistula of the Withers. 
The principle of treating fistula of the withers and poll-evil is 



576 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMEXT. 




the same as for treating other deep-seated ulcers explained ; the 
only difference is that they are more complicated on account of 
their location, and require, if anything, more careful treatment. 

Fistula of the withers is caused by 
an injury to, or bruising the top of, 
the first vertebra of the neck, or the 
ligament covering it. At first there 
is simply inflammation, with some 
swelling, making the part very ten- 
der and sore ; if this is not arrested 
or dispersed, matter will form and 
penetrate in different directions 
around and between the dorsal ver- 
tebrae, and under the shoulder blade, 
before it comes to the surface. Con- 
sequently the fistula may extend to 
both sides, and if neglected, may 
seriously involve the bones, in which 
case the cure will be proportionately 
more diflficult. 

At its early stage, when there is 
simply inflammation and soreness, 
cooling applications, such as pouring cold water upon it, or di- 
recting a small stream from a hose against it, and repeating, is 
good. The part can be kept wet by the following lotion, and then 
if the inflammation. does not aba^f give a dose of physic and apply 
an iodine or sweating blister : — » , 

Saltpeter 4 oz 

Sugar of lead 1 oz. 

Muriate of ammonia 1 oz 

Common salt . . 1 pt. 

Cold water 2 gal 

Lay on a few thicknesses of 
cloth, and keep wet with it. 

Or the following may be 

used : — 

Tincture of arnica 8 oz. 

Water 1 qt. 

If, however, matter forms, the 

sooner the abscess is opened the 

better. When this is done, the extent of the injury, or of the sinus, 

if any has formed, must be carefully ascertained with a probe, or 

by introducing the finger. If this cannot be done to advantage, 



Fig. 887.— Shoulder in Healthy Con- 
dition. 




Fig. 888.— Showing a Bad Case of Fistula. 



FISTULA OF THE WITHERS. 



517 




Fistula of the Withers Showing 
Seton. 



then the pipes must be destroyed by the introduction of the caustic 
tents, as explained for treating deep-seated ulcers, under the head 
of " Cuts or Wounds," so that it will make a clean sore ; then a de- 
pending opening for the matter to run off must be made by passing 
a seton from the bottom outward, and sponge or s}-ringe it out once 
a day with a strong suds of warm 
water and castile soap. It must 
be borne in mind that if allowed 
to heal over with pus, or any un- 
healthy matter remaining at the 
bottom, matter will continue to 
form, and finally break out anew, 
making, if anything, a more com- 
plicated condition of ulcer. The 
point is to see that all foreign mat- 
ter, sinuses, or unhealthy bone, are 
thoroughly removed. Sinuses can 
be removed either by cutting away 
or sloughing off with caustics as 
explained, and the diseased bone 
by scraping. Syringe out the 
parts well, first with castile soap and water, then with a mild solu- 
tion of blue vitriol, or carbolic acid and water ; after which treat as be- 
fore with digestive ointment, tincture of myrrh, etc., as advised under 
head of " Cuts or Wounds." 

Soon after leaving the 
road, my old trained horse 
Gifford was threatened 
with fistula of the withers. 
When able to examine the 
case, I found there was se- 
vere inflammation and 
swelling of the parts, which 
were so painful the horse 
would not allow them to be 
touched. The veterinary 
surgeon in charge had ap- 
plied a sharp stimulant, the 
effect of which was intensi- 
fied by covering the parts 
with a couple of thick blankets. The horse was very fat, and there 
were indications of matter forming, which as the horse was extremely 
37 a 




Fig. 890.— Good Method of Covering the Parts. 



578 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

sensitive, would cause great trouble in dressing the parts, which 
would be necessary for some time. I expressed my fear of this re- 
sult, but the doctor thought differently, assuring me that he had 
every reason to believe the inflammation would disperse in time. I 
left, giving him full liberty to manage the case in his own way, and 
was gratified on being informed shortly afterward that the inflam- 
mation was dispersed, and in this way a cure was effected. The se- 
rious condition of the case, and the success with which it was 
treated, induced me, for the benefit of my readers, to write to the 
doctor for the details of the treatment used, which I here include: — 

The treatment pursued in tbe management of Gifford was as follows: Take two 
pounds salts, four ounces cream of tartar, mix well, divide into nine doses, and give 
one dose once a day in his feed. For the local treatment, I took of the tincture of 
iodine and cantharides, equal parts, and applied to the shoulders every day for ten or 
twelve days ; after which, I used a stronger solution two or three times a day for 
three or four weeks. The case was a very bad one. 

Poll-Evil. 

Poll-evil is caused by being clubbed back of the ear, striking 
back of the head against an obstruction, pulling hard upon the 
halter, or checking the head high, so as to bring undue pressure 
upon the ligaments of the parts, which will be shown by the in- 
flammation and swelling over the first vertebra of the neck. If 
this inflammation is allowed to continue, the posterior part of the 
occipital bone, and sometimes the atlas bone, also the strong ten- 
don over them, will be involved, causing serious ulceration of the 
parts, unless taken in hand promptly. The principle of treatment is 
precisely that of fistula of the withers. First, cooling applications, 
a dose of physic, and a cooling, opening diet. 

A favorite prescription for dispersing inflammation of this kind, 
used by an old author, is, — 

Tartaiized antimony, crystallized and finely powdered 2 dr. 

Olive-oil " " ." 2 dr. 

Hog's lard 1 oz- 

Vaseline can be substituted for the oil and lard. When prop- 
erly rubbed on the part, this will act as a powerful blister, but does 
not blemish. Should matter form, it must be opened to the bottom ; 
and, after being cleansed out, ascertain how far the matter has bur- 
rowed, or the degree to which sinuses have formed. It is not 
prudent to do any more cutting at this part than simply to make a 
sufficiently deep incision to give an opening for the matter to pass 
off. If sinuses have formed, caustic tents are to be introduced, as 
before explained, until a clean sore is made. If the bones are in- 




1 



FOLL-EVIL. 679 

volved, they must be scraped ; next, a depending opening made 
by running a seton from the bottom outward. Sometimes the mat- 
ter extends across the neck to the opposite side. In such a case, 
the best way is to run a needle across between the muscles, and out 
on the opposite side, making an outlet on both sides. 

The after treatment is the same as for fistula of the withers, be- 
ing careful to remove all foreign growth, or diseased bone. Dress 
first with slightly caustic solution, 
then with digestive ointment, as 
explained. 

I will include here a remedy ^,^JM*VJ^ii0K^^^ 

which is claimed to be very ef- e^^^^^^j'\"uif'iiil' K 

fectual in the cure of poll-evil, fis- 
tula of the withers, etc. Burn corn- ^^X'^^^^Ki^^Bk 
cobs, and fill the cavity to the bot- 
tom with the ashes. It may be 
necessary to repeat two or three 
times before a cure is effected. 

The ease with which this can be ,, _,„^ „, . 

• , r 1 1 "'■ i^91-— Showing Selon. 

applied makes it worthy of trial. 

The following remedy is used by veterinary surgeons of my 

acquaintance as a remedy of great value, and is kept a secret. The 

point in using it is, to saturate a little tow with it, and push it to 

the bottom of the ulcer, so that it will touch every part of it. In 

about twenty-four hours the diseased part can be separated from 

the healthy flesh with the finger, from the top to the bottom, and 

taken out, when it is to be dressed as a simple wound : — 

Acetate of copper (verdigris) 4 oz. 

Sulphate of copper (blue vitriol) 4 oz. 

Alum 4 oz. 

White precipitate (white mercury) 1 oz. 

Nitric acid 2 oz. 

Honey 1 lb. 

DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

The eye, or organ of vision, is composed of three tunics, or 
coats, and of the same number of humors. To the external coat 
(sclerotic and cornea) it owes its form. The middle tunic is made 
up of the choroid, or vascular, coat of the iris, or the thin curtain 
suspended in the aqueous humor, and perforated in the center by 
an opening called the pupil, or pupillary opening, which in the 
horse is of an elliptical form ; in man it is round. The inner coat is 
called the retina, or nervous covering, and is the terminal expansion 
of the optic nerve. 



580 DISEASES AXD TUEIH TREATMENT. 

The humors are three in number, and they serve as reflectors 
of the light. They are : the aqueous humor, crystalline lens, and 
vitreous humor. The last is the largest, and occupies about four 
fifths of the whole interior of the globe, or eyeball. The appendages 





Pigs. 892, 893, 894. 895.— Difterent Types of the Eye in Heallh. 

of the eye are the eyelids, eyelashes, and the membrana nictitans, 
generally called the haw, which is situated in the inner or lower 
angle of the eye. It is connected with the different muscles of the 
eyeball. By the contraction of the straight muscle of the eye, the 
haw is forced outward, and is one of the beautiful arrangements that 
nature has provided for the protection of so delicate and sensitive 




Fk;. S96. 

a, Optic nerve ; b, Sclerotic ; e, Choroid; d, Retina; e, Cornea; t, Iris; g, li. Ciliary circle; 
i, Insertion on crystalline lens; j. Crystalline lens; k, Crystalline capsule; 1, Vitreous body; m, 
n, Anterior and posterior chambers; o, Membrane of aqueous humor; p, p. Tarsi; q, q, Fi- 
brous membrane of eyelids ; r, Elevator muscle of upper eyelid ; s, s, Orbicularis muscle of eye- 
lids; t, t, Skin of Eyelids; u, Conjunctiva; v, Membrane covering cornea; x, Posterior rectus 
muscle ; y, Superior rectus muscle; z, Inferior rectus muscle; w. Orbital membrane. 



inflam:mation of the eyes. 



581 




Fig. 897. 

1. Sclerotic coat; 2. 4. Veins of the choroid; 3. Ciliary 
nerves; 5. Ciliary ligament; 6. Iris. 



an organ. The eye is wholly covered by a thin membrane called 
the conjunctiva. 

Simple Ophthalmia, or Inflammation of the Eves, 

is a common disease among horses, and consists of inflammation 

of the conjunctival 

membrane covering 

the eye. 

Causes. — It may 

be produced by 

many d i ffe rent 

causes, and perhaps 

the most common is 

from the introduc- 
tion of a foreign 

substance into the 

eye, as a hay seed 

or chaff pickle be- 
coming lodged in the 

external covering 

(cornea), or by direct 

injury to the eyes, as from the blow of a whip, or something of the 

kind. When from a blow or direct cause of injury, but one eye will 

be affected, while if from cold, etc., both eyes will be involved. It is 

also caused by allowinghorses to stand in foul stables, especially in the 
summer months, whereby ammoniacal 
gases are generated, proving very inju- 
rious to the eyesight. It proceeds from 
exposure to cold, and is often an accom- 
paniment of catarrh. 

Symptoms. — The eyes are weak ; the 
conjunctiva, or inner lining of the lids, 
inflamed ; water running from the eyes ; 
the lids partly, if not wholly closed, ac- 
cording to the severity of the case. Blu- 
ish or white film, the result of inflamma- 
tion, comes over the cornea, extending no 

deeper than the surface, and may vary from slight cloudiness to 

entire opacity. 

Treatment. — This must, in a great measure, depend upon the 

cause; therefore it is of the greatest importance to make a careful 

examination, especially if but one eye is affected. 




Fiu. 898- Capillaries of the Vas 
cular Layer of the Retina. 




582 DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 

If there is any foreign matter in the eye, remove it promptly, 
which can be done either by means of a feather or a pair of forceps. 
The eye should be fomented with tepid or warm water, and the 
horse kept in a darkened stable or loose box ; next, the eye may be 
kept constantly moist by means of a sponge or cloth wet with tepid 
or cold water, and applied over the eye ; or bet- 
tor, Goulard's extract, used in the proportion of 
1 drachm to a pint of water. If accompanied by 
great pain, the following lotion should be applied 
around the eye several times a day : — 

Water}' infusion of opium 1 oz. 

Goulard's extract 4 oz. 

Water 13 oz. 

'^' [^ 'Iw When the cloudiness or opacity of the cornea 

is tardy in being removed, the eye should 

be stimulated daily with the following collyr- 

ium : — 

Nitrate of silver .5 gr. 

Fio. SO'J.— Good IVIeth- Distilled water 1 oz. 

Od of Covering a i u c r ^i. i- i. • 

., ^ Apply by means of a feather or camel s-hair 

the Eye. , '^ •' •' 

brush. 

If he must be used or kept in the sunlight, the eye should be 
kept covered with a blue cloth tied loosely over it. It is very im- 
portant to attend to any such form of local inflammation promptly ; 
not only treating properly, but, if possible, taking him from all work, 
since, if neglected, or the inflammation 
aggravated by heating the blood, the 
sight is liable to be destroyed, or run 
into periodic ophthalmia. It is some- 
what wonderful how much injury the 
eye will recover from, when treated 
with any kind of care. 

Twenty years ago, when driving 
horses without reins was regarded as 

a great feat, in training them to drive in _ „„„ „ ^ ... 
,^ . ' ^ Fig. 900.— Reversed View of the 

this way, it was sometimes necessary to Above. 

use the whip very severely over the head, 

when the eye was liable to be struck, and so seriously injured as to 

close it and make it entirely white from inflammation in a short 

time. Yet, in every case, by bathing with cold water, keeping in a 

dark place, and if moved, keeping the eye covered with a cloth, in ?. 

few days the eye entirely recovered. 




."SPECIFIC, OJi FERIODIC, UPIITIIALMIA. 583 

Once, while training Gifford, one of my old pair of trained 
horses, he ran accidentally against the corner of a stair, striking the 
eye so severely as to instantly destroy his power of sight ; the eye 
was entirely closed, and red with inflammation. In this case I sim- 
ply kept the eye covered with a cloth kept constantly wet with 
water in which was tincture of aconite in the proportion of about 
40 drops to half a pint of water. There was entire recovery within 
a week. This mild preparation has proved for mc very efficient in 
reducing local inflammation. 

Specific, or Periodic, Ophthalmia, 

is the most severe affection to which the horse's eye is liable, and is 

very common in this coun- 
try. The parts principally 
and primarily involved are 
the internal structures of 
the eye, and the changes 
which occur vary in degree 
according to the severity 
of the attack. 

Causes. — T he great 
cause of this affection can 
be traced to an hereditary 
predisposition, always 
ready to burst forth when 
exposed to certain exciting 
causes, such as injuries of 

any kind, as before ex- 
Fio. 901. — Physiological Papillae, as Seen with the , . , , . , 

. ... , plained, bemg kept m very 

Ophthalmoscope. ' > t. r j 

dark and ill-ventilated sta- 
bles, and then suddenly exposed to the glare of a hot sun ; and, like 
simple ophthalmia, it may follow continued exposure to cold. 

Symptoms. — Among the first symptoms is a watery discharge 
from one or both eyes, and on being exposed to the sunlight he ex- 
hibits a peculiar uneasiness, with a partial closure of the affected 
eye. As the disease advances, the eyelids become swollen, and if 
turned upward, the conjunctiva appears reddened and injected ; the 
eye looks smaller, and retracted into its socket ; the interior of the 
eye reveals a peculiar muddy or turbid appearance, showing floating 
flakes, and a yellowish or whitish deposit at the bottom of the cham- 
ber. Fig. 902 is designed to show, on an enlarged scale, something 
of this change. The symptoms are very like ihose of simple oph- 




5S4r 



DISEASES AXn Til Ell! THE AT ME XT. 



thalmia, and often lead to the supposition that the eye has received 
a blow or other injury. 

The above symptoms become more and more aggravated, and 
the patient becomes affected constituticfnally ; the circulation is in- 
creased, the mouth hot, and the appetite impaired. These symp- 
toms may continue for several days, and then gradually disappear, 
or they may be prolonged for weeks, and end only with the destruc- 
tion of the eye. A prominent and well-marked symptom of this 
disease is its shifting from one eye to the other ; in many cases, one 

eye has no sooner re- 
covered than the other 
becomes affected. At 
other times, recovery 
^is rapid, and to all ap- 
pearances the eye looks 
perfectly healthy ; in a 
short time, however, 
the disease returns, and 
often with increased 
severity. These oc- 
currences or shiftings 
take place in from three 
weeks to a month or 
more. As the disease 
advances still further, 
the eye begins to clear, 
the cornea becoming 
transparent, leaving a 
slight muddiness in the 
anterior part (cham- 
ber) of the eye ; the pupil diminishes in size, and the disease grad- 
ually terminates in more or less opacity of the chrjstalline lens or 
its capsule, constituting cataract. 

Treatmetit. — As a general rule, the treatment of specific oph- 
thalmia is very unsatisfactory, but still medicinal remedies are found 
beneficial in palliating the disease. The horse should be placed in 
a comfortable and darkened loose box, with a plentiful supply of 
pure air. A brisk dose of purgative medicine should be adminis- 
tered, and if much constitutional fever is present, ten drops of the 
tincture of aconite should be given every three hours, until six or 
eight doses are given. Bleed from the facial vein, and follow by fo- 
mentations of hot water to the eye. After the third or fourth day, 




Fig. 903. — Inflammation of the Optic Nerve. 

a, Papillse of the optic nerve congested; b, Enlarged veins 
connected by exudation round the papillie ; c, rather dimin 
ished arteries. 



SPECIFIC, OR PERIODIC, OPHTHALMIA. 585 

cold applications are preferable to hot. The extract of belladonna 
may be applied around the orbits, and also administered internally, 
in doses of two scruples three times a day. When the acute inflam- 
matory symptoms are somewhat abated, the absorption of the 
effused products should be aided by a stimulating collyrium, as, — 

Sulphate of zinc. 10 grs. 

Distilled water 1 oz. 

or any of the eye-waters advised under that head. 




Fia. 903. — Generalized Atrophical Choroidites. 

a, PapillfE of the optic nerve, preserving its rosy color ; b, c, Atrophied choroid, showing 
the white tint of the uncovered sclerotic; d, e, Blood-vessels of the retina: f, Pigmentary de- 
posits of the choroid. 

The following simple treatment, used by a very successful prac- 
titioner, has by special request been written out for me : — 

When the lids are swollen, and not due to any disease, such as pinlv-eye, etc., 
but to a cold, and injuries of numerous descriptions, the eye should first be bathed 
with hot salt water for a few minutes, then turn the lower lid down and drop on 
the lid and eye-ball, with an eye-dropper, the following collyrium: — 

Sulphate of atropa.. 10 gr. 

Sulphate of zinc 1 dr. 

Agua rosae 6 oz 



586 DISEASES AXD Til EI It TREATMENT. 

Drop on the diseased eye 15 to 10 drops two to three times a day. This rem- 
edy is a certain cure in most all eye troubles. 

In diseases of the eye due to liver complaint, first give a strong cathartic com- 
bined with 1 to 2 drachms of calomel, and treat the eye as above. 

Amaurosis, or Gl.\ss Eve, 

consist.s in either partial or complete paralysis of the optic nerve, or 
its terminal expansion, the retina. 

Cniises. — Injuries to the brain, causing an extravasation of blood 
upon the deep origin of the special nerve of sight (optic), from dis- 
ease of the internal coat of the eye (retina). It occasionally occurs 
as a sequel of stomach staggers or indigestion. We have also 
known it to occur in pregnant mares. Percival mentions several 
cases of amaurosis occurring in mares with foal, where vision was 
perfectly restored after parturition. 

Symptoms. — The eye has a peculiar glassy appearance ; the 
horse carries his head very high, and is continually moving his ears, 
and his action is high, lifting his feet as if he were stepping over 
some obstacle. He is easily alarmed by an)' noise. The pupil is 
dilated, and loses its natural elliptical form. If the glare of a lighted 
candle is brought to bear upon the eye, the pupil refuses to con- 
tract, thus showing that nervous influence is lost. 

Treatment. — The horse should have rest, and a strong dose of 
purgative medicine given. If supposed to arise from effusion or 
pressure on the nerve (optic), blisters and setons to the poll are rec- 
ommended, and diuretics should be used. In some instances the 
powdered nux vomica, in doses of one scruple twice a day, has been 
used with advantage. If amaurosis has continued for a lengthened 
period, it is incurable, and treatment in such cases would be en- 
tirely useless. 

Cataract 

is the name applied to a deposition of a pearly white substance 
within the eye, and is a very common affection in this country. It 
consists of an effusion of lymph, either on the middle humor (crys- 
talline lens), or on its capsule, and is variable in size, sometimes not 
larger than the head of a pin, while in other cases it covers the whole 
lens. 

Causes. — It is generally a result of repeated attacks of specific 
ophthalmia, or it may even supervene upon a first attack ; it may 
follow a severe injury to the eye. 




DROPSY OF THE BELLY. 587 

Symptoms. — The eyesight is either partially or completely 
gone, and when covering the greater part of the lens, it is easily 
known by its pearly white appearance. When small, it is somewhat 
difficult of detection ; the eye is smaller than in health, and the 
pupil becomes greatly contracted when exposed to light. It may 
be detected by placing the animal in a bright light, and carefully 
examining the eye ; if the eye appears smaller than the other, it 
indicates something amiss with it. He should then be placed in a 
darkened stable, and allowed to stand quietly for ten or fifteen 
minutes before being subjected to an examination. Stand in front 
of him, and bring a lighted candle close up to the front of his eye, 
when any alteration in the structure of the 
lens can be readily detected. 

Treatynciit of the horse is useless, as when 
permanently established, it cannot be re- 
moved. When the cataract is confined to 
one eye only, it interferes but little with the 
horse's usefulness for ordinary work. 

The cornea is frequently injured from the 
puncture of a nail, allowing the aqueous 
humor to escape, and perhaps' injuring the p^^ 904.-Partial Cataracts, 
crystalline lens, completely destroying the or Small White Specks with- 
vision. When the injury is confined to the In the Pupil of the Eye. 

cornea, the humor may be reproduced. The 

part should be diligently bathed, either with hot or cold water, and 
the fomentations must be applied several times a day ; and the eye 
supported by means of a wet sponge or cloth, which tends to sub- 
due the acute inflammation and allay the pain, and by keeping the 
eyelids closed, it supports the lacerated parts. 

After a few days it may be necessary to stimulate the part, 
when any of the stimulating applications recommended for simple 
ophthalmia may be used. 

The membrana nictitans, or haw, sometimes becomes enlarged, 
the result of an injury, or from being implicated in other diseased 
conditions of the eye. Even in its healthy state, we have known 
it to be mistaken (by ignorant persons) for an abnormal structure, 
and barbarously removed. It is not an unusual circumstance to 
hear persons boast of the rapidity with which they can remove this 
beautiful and most essential appendage to the eye. 

Dropsy of the Belly (Ascites). 
Ascites consists of a collection of serous fluid in the cavity of 



588 DISEASES AND Til El It TREAT ME XT. 

the belly. It is not very often seen, unless in connection with 
some other disease. 

Causes. — It is usually the result of chronic peritoneal inflam- 
mation, or a sympathetic extension, or accompaniment of " water 
in the chest" (hydrothorax), chronic disease of some important or- 
gan contained in the belly, which it invests. Occasionally it occurs 
in conjunction with enlarged liver or spleen. Sometimes also from 
impeded circulation, consequent on abnormal tumors pressing on 
some important vessels ; and unquestionably, as in the human sub- 
ject, some animals have a dropsical tendency (diathesis). 

Symptoms. — The animal is observed to be dull and inactive, 
the bowels are costive, and the urine scanty ; he is always thirsty, 
watery swelling appears between the fore legs, which soon extends 
backward along to the sheath or udder ; the belly is large, and 
when struck, emits a dull, heavy sound. As it goes on, the breath- 
ing becomes rapid, and the pulse quick and small, the thirst intense, 
the appetite fails, the enlargement of the belly becomes more per- 
ceptible, the external swelling greater, and the breathing much in- 
creased ; as death approaches, the pulse becomes imperceptible, 
and as Blaine remarks, " the peritoneal inflammation produces 
colicky symptoms frequently, and in this way being occasionally 
but little disturbed, and at other times very ill, a few active symp- 
toms carry off the poor beast." 

Treatment. — When the watery effusion is extensive, few cases 
recover ; however, much can be done to arrest it in the early stages ; 
the prospects of recovery, of course, depend a good deal on the 
cause of complaint ; when accompanied by hydrothorax, it almost 
invariably proves fatal. The strength from the first must be har- 
bored, stimulants must be given from the beginning ; open the 
bowels by an active purgative, smart friction being frequently ap- 
plied to the belly, or if the swelling is considerable, it should be 
supported by bandages ; should the state of the patient permit, 
walking exercise should be persevered in. The following ball 
should be given daily : — 

Iodine 1 dr. 

Iodide »f potassium 1 dr. 

Linseed meal and soft soap sufficient to form a ball. 

Occasional doses of sweet niter and warm beer should be given. 
Free scarifications with a lancet or sharp knife should be made in 
the swelling. 

Tonics should be more early used than they generally are ; a 
very good tonic ball in these cases consists of — 



AiVASAJiCA, OR SWELLED LEGS. 589 

Sulphate of iron 2 dr. 

Iodine 1 dr. 

Made into a ball with linseed meal and soft soap. Or, — 

Ginger 3 dr. 

Gentian 3 dr, 

Sulphate of iron 3 dr. 

Molasses sufficient to make a ball. 

When medical treatment fails, temporary relief may be obtained 
by tapping, which consists in puncturing the belly, in the line .be- 
tween the navel and the sheath or udder, taking care not to injure 
the bowels or any important vessels, in doing which the belly must 
be tightly bandaged, and kept compressed. 

Anasarca, or Swelled Legs. 
If plethoric, fat legs and sheath swclleil. When standing in the 






Fio. 905.— Thickening ot the Fiii. 9(l().— The Leg Fig. 907.— The Leg as il 

Tendons, Caused by Bang- in its Natural Appears when " Filled " 

Ing or Striking the Part. Condlllon. or Swelled. 

stable without any of the usual symptoms, should first be given a 
strong cathartic, and twenty-four to thirty-six hours after give the 
following powders in the feed morning and night : — 

Sulphate of iron IJ oz. 

Powdered digitalis leaves. 3 oz. 

Nitrate of potassa 6 oz. 

Powdered mix vomica J oz. 

Make into twelve powders, and give in feed morning and night 



690 DISEASES AXD THEIR TREAT MEXT. 

as above directed, until the animal's feces become of a blackish 
color, then stop. 

By this time the horse should be well. If the case is weak and 
debilitated, omit the physic and powders, and give good, nutritious 
food. In the meantime the horse in either case should have gentle 
exercise. 

It is bad practice to bandage. The application of bandages 
with stimulating liniment prevents the free circulation of the blood, 
thereby causing not only debility of the capillaries, or small blood- 
vessels, but also irritating the skin. It in all cases gives temporary 
relief, but does not cure. The treatment before given is the only 
one to be depended upon. 

Inflammation of the Veins (Phlebitis). 

Owing to the practice of bleeding horses for all ailments, which 
is still very common among people through the country, phlebitis 
is not uncommon. It consists of inflammation of the coats of the 
vein, involving the surrounding cellular tissues also. 

Causes. — When it occurs, it almost invariably follows the opera- 
tion of bleeding, arising from some mismanagement in performing 
it, or securing the integuments after. Rust\- fleams, carelessness in 
pinning it up, — as in pulling the skin out, allowing blood to filtrate 
the cellular tissues, — bringing the edges unevenly together, or, as 
in cases we have known, pinning the vein itself to the skin. Cer- 
tain states of constitutional predisposition of the veins to take on 
inflammatory action are said to exist. 

Symptoms. — It is easily distinguished by the inverted edges of 
the wound, which are red and swollen, and discharge thin serum, 
which soon gives place to pus. The vein above the incision is hard, 
hot, and tender, and considerably enlarged. The swelling extends 
upward to the head ; the inflammation extends to the surrounding 
tissues; the side of the neck is swollen; the neck is stiff, and the 
head extended. The symptomatic fever runs high. 

Treatment. — The head should be tied up, and almost constant 
fomentations of hot water applied for several days. The lips of the 
wound should be touched with the cauterjr or lunar caustic. A full 
dose of purgative medicine should be given. When the acute fever 
has subsided, the wound should be blistered throughout its entire 
extent, and repeated if required, the head being kept elevated, and 
the horse's feed placed within his reach. 

These cases often terminate in complete obliteration of the 



LA MP AS. 



591 




vein ; but in course of time the smaller vessels of the neck enlarge, 
and take the place of the lost jugular. He is not suited to be turned 
to pasture, as the head is apt to swell. He can never after be passed 
as a sound horse. 

Thrombus. 

Thrombus is the name given to a round tumor which sometimes 
occurs around the puncture made in bleeding. 

Causes. — It is usually the result of pinning up the wound by 
drawing the skin out, allowing the blood to be extravasated into 
the cellular tissues ; also from the opening in the skin not being 
opposite the opening in the vein, or too small to allow the blood to 
escape freely ; often from the tissues being irritated by repeated 
striking of the fleam, or " perhaps from 
spontaneous inflammation and serous 
effusion in the divided integuments 
and membranes themselves." 

Symptoms. — It is easily recognized 
by the appearance of a round, full 
swelling surrounding the opening a 
short time after bleeding. 

Treatment. — It should be opened 
again, the coagula squeezed out, and 
the edges of the wound again brought together, and a pad or 
sponge saturated with a strong solution of Goulard's lotion, or cold 
water constantly applied for an hour at a time, the pad being sup- 
ported by a broad bandage round the neck. The head must be tied 
up for at least twenty-four hours. It usually subsides in a day or 
two. Should swelling remain, it should be blistered and treated as 
in phlebitis. 

Lam PAS. 
Lampas is the name given to a slight enlargement of the bars 
or ridges on the palate behind the incisor teeth. It is mostly con- 
fined to young horses, and is a natural conjestion of these parts, 
consequent on the shedding of the teeth. It is not so much a 
disease as a natural and salutary process, which in general is best 
let alone, and in which cruel remedies, such as firing, should never 
for a moment be thought of If much inflamed, a slight scarifica- 
tion, with sloppy feed for a few weeks, will suffice to remove it. 
In older animals, similar swellings are sometimes seen arising from 
indigestion ; a slight physicking will generally remove them, with- 
out resorting to such ^iz^/rd" practices as "cutting out the lampas." 



Fig. 908. — The Barbarous Method often 

Resorted to, of Burning out 

the Lampas. 



592 DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 

DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

The skin is a membrane of variable thickness, which covers the 
whole body, and is reflected inward by all the natural openings, so 
as to line, by its internal reflections, the eye, the nasal cavities, 
the mouth, etc., etc. Skin diseases in the lower animals generally 
do not prove so inveterate as in human beings. 

Surfeit 

is an affection of common occurrence among horses in the spring 
and summer months, and is an eruptive disease, showing itself in 
the form of small tumors, or pimples, and extending along the neck, 
or over the whole body. 

Causes. — It very often proves a sequel to some derangement 
of the digestive organs ; as from feeding for a lengthened period on 
one kind of food, and more particularly if it is of a stimulating or 
heating nature. It is also apt to occur in horses that are in high 
condition, when subjected to violent exercise, causing them to sweat 
freely, and then being exposed to sudden chill ; in this form it is 
often met with in colts when being first put to work. 

Symptoms. — It appears suddenly ; small pimples or tumors 
arise on different parts of the body and neck, and particularly un- 
derneath the mane ; in some instances they disappear rapidly by 
absorption, while in others they burst and discharge a thin fluid : 
the hair comes out, and small scales form, which are easily pulled 
off. At times this affection proves very irksome and troublesome 
to the horse, causing him to rub violently against his stall, or bite 
at the parts affected. In its simple form it appears to inconven- 
ience the animal but little, and is generally easily removed. 

Treatmeiit. — In the first place the food should be changed, and 
a mild purgative given, as Barbadoes aloes, four to six drachms ; 
the kidneys should be made to act freely, and for that purpose the 
following ball may be given daily for four or five days : — 

Nitrate of potassa 3 dr. 

Camphor 1 scr. 

Oil of juniper 1 dr. 

With soft soap and linseed meal sufficient to form an ordinary- 
sized ball. 

In inveterate cases, small doses of calomel and opium may be 
used with success. The eruptions should be thoroughly cleansed 
with soap and water, and afterward dressed with a mild solution of 
the chloride of zinc, about twenty grains to a pint of water. Ke 



MAXGE. 593 

should have regular exercise and good grooming, using the wisp 
instead of the curry-comb. Surfeit differs from mange in not being 
contagious. 

Urticaria, Nettle Rash, Hives, etc., 

shown by pimples, or elevations, on the skin, may go and come 
within twenty-four hours, generally due to a disturbance of the 
stomach, such as gastric derangement. In any case not serious, the 
symptoms are as follows : The horse probably not having taken 
well to his feed (apparently all right), a few hours later the whole 
body will be covered with little eruptions or elevations all over 
the skin. 

The treatment for it should be as follows : Give a cathartic, 
and have his body well bathed with strong salt and water. This 
bathing may be repeated two or three times within twenty-four 
hours ; feed lightly, and reduce the amount of grain feed. 

This disease is caused by overfeeding and want of exercise ; is 
always common to fat horses, and makes its appearance during the 
springand summer months. 

Mange 

is another eruptive disease, and is very contagious, and is caused by 
the repeated attacks of minute insects which burrow into the skin ; 
these insects are called acart, and can be easily seen by means of a 
magnifying glass. (I include illustrations of two varieties of mange 
parasites.) 

Causes. — In the majority of cases it is the result of contagion, 
either from coming in direct contact with a mangy horse, or it may 
be carried by means of his harness or blankets. It is also generated 
by uncleanliness and insufficient nourishment ; the skin, from being 
allowed to become covered with dirt, loses, in a great measure, its 
highly important function in maintaining an animal in health. 

Symptoms. — Generally, the first symptom observed is the an- 
imal's rubbing his head and neck against the stall or manger ; small 
pimples appear, and the hair falls off; the skin is dry and hard, and 
upon the hardened patches may be seen small red spots. A horse 
affected with mange is kept in a constant state of irritation, which 
soon reduces him in flesh. 

Treatment. — He should be separated from other animals, and 
thoroughly washed with soap and water every second or third day, 
afterward dcessed with the following application : — 
3S a 



594 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 




Fig. 9(»9. — Symptoms of Mange. 



Linseed-oil 4 oz. 

Oil of tar 4 oz. 

Sulphur 3 oz. 

Mix, and rub well into 
the affected parts. Or — 

Oil of turpentine. . . .4 oz. 

Oil of tar 4 oz. 

Linseed-oil 6 oz. 

Mix. 

Alternately with the 
above application mer- 
curial ointment may be 
used. The horse should 
be given a generous diet, 
and moderate and regu- 
lar exercise. In invet- 
erate cases arsenical so- 



lutions are beneficial, but must be used with caution. All clothing, 
harness, etc., which have been used on a horse affected with mange, 
should be thoroughly cleansed before they are used again. The 
only means of preventing this disease is to keep both animal and 
stable in a cleanly condition. 

The following is recommended by a very successful veterinary 
surgeon : — 

Take the horse in the sun, and scrub him thoroughly all over with castile soap 
and water, then wash him well from head to tail with gas water, in which put 2 





Mange Parasites. 

drachms white hellebore to the gallon. He must now be put in another stall, distant 
from the one in which he has been standing. Thus treated, it rarely requires more 
than one washing to effect a permanent cure. The harness should- be thoroughly 



HEN LICE. 



595 



scrubbed, and put away for six or eight weeks. These precautions are necessary 
to success iB this otherwise troublesome disease. 

Hen Lice. 

It is not known to many that hen lice and common human 
body lice grow on horses with great rapidity. Hen lice especially 
arf sometimes very troublesome. Prof. Bouley, in 1S51, first called 
attention to them. 




Fig. 912. — One of the Tests for Mange. 

Syinptouis. — When a horse is taken suddenly with irresist- 
ible itching, sometimes acting half frantic in his efforts to relieve 
himself by scratching, biting, striking up with his hind feet, and 
stamping, examine him carefully for hen lice. This trouble is to be 
particularly looked for where hens have access to, or roost in, the 
stable. There is liable to be an eruption of very small vesicles under 
the skin, the hair falling off in small, circular spots. In a few days 
these spots are liable to extend. 

When neglected, or not attended to, 
the horse is liable to lose his appetite, 
grow thin and weak, on account of the 
constant annoyance and irritation to 
which he is made subject. 

Ti'eatment. — Remove the cause. Hens 
should never be kept near a horse 
stable, nor allowed to roost in it. Wash 
the animal with a decoction of tobacco 
or staphysgia ; whitewash the stable, 
and observe cleanliness. If subject to 
human lice, and the animal is poor, 
with long hair, clip it off, and wash the 
animal with a decoction of stavesacre, 
one ounce of the powdered seeds to a pint of water, taking care 
that the animal does not lick himself for some time after the remedy 
has been applied. — Williauis. 




Fig. 913. — Mange Parasite. 



596 



DISEASES A XI) THE Hi TREAT J/EXT. 



An ounce of arsenic to a pail of soft water, with which to wash 
the horse thoroughly in a warm place, is claimed to be a sure 
remedy for destroying either kind oi Wee. ^-Sitiinnervi lie. 

RlXG-WORM. 

This is not a common disease among horses. It consists in a 
parasitic growth of organic cells in the surface of the skin. Ring- 




FiG. 914. — Herpes — Vesicular Ring-worm. 

worm is a common affection in man, and is said to be communicable 
from him to the lower animals. Like other diseases of the skin, it 
is also generated by uncleanliness. 

Symptofiis. — The hair falls off on various parts of the body, 
especially about the face, eyelids, cheeks, neck, and thighs, leaving 
small and apparently ulcerated patches, which appear white and 
scaly, and have a peculiar tendency to spread ; the animal loses 
flesh, and his coat becomes dry and dirty-looking. 

Treatment. — Ring-worm, if attended to in the early stage, is 

easily cu<-ed. The affected parts should be well cleansed, and 

touched with a mild caustic, and dressed daih" with the following 

ointment : — 

Iodine 1 dr. 

Lard 1 oz. 



CRACKED HEELS. 597 

Or, in place of the ointment, a liniment composed of — 

Sulphur 1 oz. 

Iodide of potassium 6 dr. 

Iodine 3 dr. 

Oil of tar 10 oz. 

May be used daily. 

Herpes — Vesicular Ring-Worm. 

The treatment for this disease consists in purgative, low diet, 
and local applications of sedative lotions. 

Scratches, Mud Fever, and Cracked Heels 

are very common occurrences among horses, especially in the 
spring and autumn months, and the hind legs are oftener affected 
than the fore ones. 

Blip -'^''-'^ 





Fig. 615.— a Very Bad Case 
of Scratches. 



Fig. 916. An Ordinary Case 
of Scratclies. 



Causes. — They are very often the result of keeping horses 
standing in damp or filthy stables. Clipping the hair from off the 
legs is regarded as a very serious cause of scratches, as it leaves 
the skin so bare that it cannot as readily resist the effects of ir- 
ritants of any kind as when protected by its natural covering ; but 
the most common cause is the habit of washing the legs with cold 
water, and not drying them thoroughly afterward. The sebaceous 
glands in the hollow of the pasterns become inflamed, their secre- 
tion is increased, the skin cracks, and discharges an ichorous matter. 

Symptoms. — They usually cause lameness, more or less severe, 
according to the severity of the attack, always most painful for 
the first few steps. The hollows of the pasterns are swollen, red, 



598 DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 

hot, and tender, with transverse cracks which open at every step, 

and often bleed, especially in cold weather. A good illustration of 

this is shown by Figs. 915 and 916.) 

Treatment must be regulated according to the extent and 

duration of the disease. In all cases the horse should be kept in a 

dry place, with an abundance of clean litter ; the heels should be 

thoroughly cleansed, and if painful, poultices of linseed meal applied 

for several days. If the horse is in high condition, and the legs 

much swollen, a full dose of purgative medicine must be given, 

followed by two or three doses of diuretic medicine, as, — 

Kitrate of potash. 3 dr. 

Resin 3 dr. 

With soft soap sufficient to make an ordinary-sized ball. 

After poulticing, the parts should be dressed once or twice a 

day with the following lotion : — ^ 

Sulphate of zinc 6 dr. 

i-kuSuM^ Acetate of lead 1 oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

BtKS'\\ Jff*W|li^ Occasionally scratches prove very 

M mi/Mkl'M troublesome and difficult to cure ; if the 

~' ' ulcerations extend, it will be necessary 

to change the dressing, and dry powders, 

such as oxide of zinc, calomel, etc., 

should be tried. 

The following is included from a very 
successful practitioner, as his favorite 
treatment : — 

First, wash the parts off well with warm water 
and soap, drj' thoroughly, and apply the following 
ointment twice a day: — 

Oxide of zinc 3 oz. 

Carbolic acid. . . 2 dr. 

Fig. 917. — Showing the Legs in Lard. 10 oz. 

Healthy Condition. 

Mix. 

If the case is serious, internal remedies must be resorted to. First give a lax- 
ative, then feed twice a day one of the following powders: — 

Sulphate of iron 1 J oz. 

Pulverized gentian root 3 oz. 

Make into eight powders. 

The following is one of the very best remedies ever used. It 
was given the writer by a drunken horse doctor for the cure of 
a very serious case of cracked heels, old Turco, my favorite 
trained horse, being the case, and it cured him quickly after all 




CRACKED HEELS. 599 

other treatment had failed. See particulars in " Facts for Horse 

Owners," page 1010. 

Resin ; 3 oz. 

Copperas 3 oz. 

Alum 3 oz. 

Beeswax 1 oz. 

Tar ' 1 pt. 

Tallow size of hen's egg. 

Boil over a slow fire, skim, and add a handful of the scrapings 

of sweet elder. When cool, it is fit for use. 

Another remedy, for which much is claimed, is the following : — 

Sweet-oil 6 oz. 

Borax 3 oz. 

Sugar of lead 3 oz. 

Mix. 

First wash clean with soft water and castile soap. When dry, 
apply once a day. 

Sometimes a horse will irritate or break the skin by getting a 
rope or strap around the leg, which, if neglected, will cause a great 
deal of trouble by inducing scratches or cracking of the skin. The 
leg should be immediately poulticed with flaxseed meal, until all 
inflammation subsides. The horse in the meantime should have 
bran mashes, with a small dose of physic. 

If, however, it has been neglected, and scratches or ulceration 
of the skin follow, it must be treated the" same as for an ordinary 
case of scratches. I have found that tying a thickness or two of 
flannel loosely around the part for a few days after treatment, is very 
beneficial. 

For Scratches and Cracked Heels. 

The following remedy of great value is given by one of the 
leading veterinary surgeons in the United States : — 

Take of oxide of zinc, one drachm ; veterinary cosmoline, one ounce ; pow- 
dered gum benzoin, ten grains ; camphorated spirits, one drachm ; mix thoroughly. 
The mode of application is a matter for attention. It should be gently rubbed upon 
the cracks with the finger, so as to distribute it in a moderately thick layer over the 
whole of the affected part, and to insinuate it as much as possible under any crusts 
that may be formed in the disease. Once properly applied, it will prevent further 
crust from collecting, while it serves the several purposes of a new cuticle to the 
abraded skin, a water-dressing, and a barrier to the oxidizing action always present 
in inflammation. The heels must not be washed after the application of the oint- 
ment ; they may be wiped with a soft napkin as much as may seem necessary, but 
when the ointment is once applied, it should not be removed by washing without 
good reason. Or the following liniment may be successfully applied : Take of 
Goulard's extract, English glycerine, and skunk oil, two parts each ; liquor ammonia, 
half a part ; mix. Agitate before using, and apply with a soft brush twice a day. 



600 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Hoof Ointment. 

Used by Joseph Gaijigee, V. S., formerly professor in the new 
Veterinary College, Edinburgh, Scotland, over forty years. It is 
also used as a remedy of great value for skin diseases, referred to 
particularly in " Scratches and Cracked Heels." 

As a preventive of the injurious effects resulting from changes from humidity 
to dryness, and vice, rersa, I have used a hoof ointment, which I have found an ad- 
mirable adjunct to all other good management. 

When I began to see that humidity impaired the texture of the hoof, I had re- 
course to oil, lard, or tallow, with the view to exclude moisture ; but my experi- 
ments were attended with questionable effect, except in the case of mutton tallow, 
which, during wet weather. I found beneticial. 

The following is the formula, as improved : — 

Resin 2 parts. 

Mutton tallow 2 parts. 

Barbadoes tar 2 parts. 

Yellow wax 1 part. 

Castor-oil 1 part. 

Given on page 9S3 of " Facts for Horse Owners," 

To be combined according to pharmaceutical rules. 

This ointment is a perfect antiseptic, and as soon as it is applied to horses' feet 
with bad thrushes, the offensive odor ceases. 

Directions for Use. — The ointment should be applied after the feet are washed 
clean and become dry, and is most effectually applied by rubbing in with the hand. 

Take a piece the size of a walnut, press it on the sole at the point of the frog, 
then into the commissures ; and lastly, rub it well into the sole and frog, and then 
extend it over the wall and round the coronet, using as much as may be sufficient to 
cover these parts effectively. It may be repeated about every fourth day ; and the 
evening, after work, is the best time ; or once a week will .suffice to keep the feet 
in good condition under ordinary work. 

Good for Skin Diseases. 

Though I have called the preparation a hoof ointment, it is as effectual for the 
cure of many of the most troublesome skin diseases as it is good for the preservation 
of the feet. The breaking out of blotches and cracks of the heels, to which horses 
are so liable in winter, after the very objectionable practice of clipping and trim- 
ming, is cured by nothing so readily as by this ointment, well rubbed in, after the 
parts have been thoroughly washed with warm water and soap. In the same way 
as directed for horses' hoofs, the ointment is good for the feet of cattle, sheep, and 
sporting dogs. 

Grease. 

This may be considered as an aggravated condition of scratches, 
and is induced by the same general causes. In the early stage, it 
consists in inflammation of the sweat glands, followed by an offen- 
sive, white, oily discharge from the heels. The acrid character of 
the discharge often causes large portions of the skin to slough away, 
leaving ugly sores behind. 



GREASE. 



601 



Symptoms. — There is generally more or less swelling of the 
legs, which, if not speedily relieved, is followed by a discharge ; the 
hair falls off, and the skin is reddened and inflamed. The parts are 
very painful and hot, and in many cases the least pressure of the 
hand will make the horse twitch up his leg, and continue to hold it 
up for some time. In other cases, when made to move about in his 
stall, or when taken out of his stable in the morning, he will keep 
twitching up his legs as if he were affected with stringhalt. Exer- 
cise appears to relieve the pain, as after being walked for ten or fif- 
teen minutes, he goes quite free. As the disease advances, the skin 
cracks, and the discharge increases, becoming more and more pur- 
ulent and offensive. (A good illustration of its appearance at this 
stage is given in Fig. 919.) The swelling increases, not being con- 
fined to the heels, but itivolving the 

front of the fetlock joint, and in some t^v^ 

cases extending upward to the hock. 
The cracked condition of the legs and 
heels undergoes a change of structure, 
and fungoid granulations spring up 
similar in form to a bunch of keys ; 
this is called the " grapy stage," which 
may vary considerably in structure, 
at one time being very vascular, bleed- 
ing readily when touched ; in other 
instances it loses its vascularity, and 
becomes hard and horny ; from be- 
tween the crevices of the grapes an 
ichorous, glairy discharge contin- 
ues. 

There is a small parasite, called sar- 
coptes hippopodus, which is sometimes Fig. 918.— A Bad Condition of Grease, 
found in chronic cases of grease (Fig. 

919). Williams says this class of insect may be also common to 
mange. The disease induced by it is called foot mange. Attention 
is drawn to a horse with this disease by his rubbing his fore legs, or 
striking constantly with the hind ones during the night. The seat 
of the disease, and the ready detection of numerous parasites in 
clusters where crusts or scabs form about the horse's heels, suffice to 
enable us to diagnose the- malady. 

Treatment. — Without cleanliness, all medicinal remedies are 
useless. The heels should be washed with soap and water every 




602 DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 

day, and the general comfort of the animal attended to. If the pa- 
tient is in high condition, a dose of purgative medicine must be 
given, and the animal restricted to a cooling diet, as carrots, bran, 
etc. ; or, if in summer, green food is preferable. The following 
lotion may be applied daily, which, in mild cases, will generally 
suffice : — 

Cbloride of zinc 30 gr. 

Water 1 pt. 

In cases of long standing, the hair 
must be cut off, and the parts soft- 
ened with linseed-meal poultices ; 
„, J to which may be added charcoal, 

'*' " yeast, or bleaching powder. After 

removing the poultices, dust the 
parts over with oxide-of-zinc pow- 

' (0j^^r\^ ^^^■^ °'' ^PPly the following oint- 

j^^ ment every morning, to be washed 

*' ''^"SP^ i^ " °*^ ^'^ n ight :— 

YifiHW J6 Acetate of lead 1 scr. 

Soft soap 4 dr. 

Lard 4 dr. 

As in other skin diseases, small 
doses of Fowler's solution of ar- 
senic are generally attended with 
beneficial results. 

u\ Tumor on the Shoulder. 

Very often, in consequence of 

continued chafing of the collar, 

T,,^ nif, c 1 u- , which may be neglected, serious in- 

iiG. 919. — Sarcoptes Hippopodus. . . 

flammation is caused, sometimes 

followed by a deep cyst of matter beneath the large flat muscle 
which covers the front of the shoulder. The tissues around the part 
become thickened and indurated so that it is frequently difficult to 
detect any fluctuation of matter, yet it may be assumed, when there 
is considerable swelling, that has continued for some time, and mat- 
ter exists, there will not be recovery until it has been removed. In 
slight cases only, a little nut-like induration usually forms without 
matter. 

Treatment. — In cases where injury is vecent, if the horse must 
be used, change the collar, so that, if possible, no chafing or pressure 
will be brought upon the part. Bathe the shoulder with hot and 





TUMOR OX THE SHOULDER. 603 

cold water according to the severity of the case, or two or three 
thicknesses of wet blanket may be slung over the shoulder. Bath- 
ing the part thoroughly with ar- 
nica which has been reduced about 
one third with water, is a favorite ^ m 

remedy for chafes and bruises. i mL., 
The following liniments for exter- | vfM—, 
nal inflammation are very good : — wl^P^ f ^ 

Wormwood 2 oz. It ^T ^ 'm^^-^% 

New England rum 1 qt. \j M'/ d "' "^ 

Steep the wormwood in the ^9b, /s- 

liquor, and apply the preparation 
thoroughly to the shoulder. Or, — 

Goulard's extract 1 oz. 

Vinegar 2 oz. 

Spirits of wine 3 oz. 

Water IJ pt. 

Fig. 920. — Showing Tumor on Elbow. 
Cover the part with two or three 

thicknesses of cloth kept wet with this. 

An excellent remedy for bruises and soreness, caused by kicks, 

etc., is made by put- 

i^'lliHHHilHHL. V ^^^^^^HTIMI ^^^ camphor which it 

" "llliiWiP^^ T ^^^/' ^^ will cut or dissolve. 

WlHHir ' \ \ ^^ ~1 i Bathe the part thor- 

r/,. . T ^ m^i oughly with this. 

'^^^mk A If a tumor forms, 

\ ^^J^A^ open it with a knife, 

^^ and treat like an ordi- 

nary wound ; or the 
..^ ™„,. .,»»™ss.™s™.™. matter can be drawn 
vs^ise / ,«i^^yTi^^^^^S. off with a trochar and 

^^^^■'■r canula, until the sac is 

reduced, when it can 
be opened. If a solid 
tumor forms, a straight 
verticle incision is to 
Fig. 921. — A Good Method of Covering Shoulder with Wet i^g made through the 

Cloths or Poultices, when Seriously Chafed or Inflamed. , . ti „ 

' skin over the mass, 

and dissected out, when the skin is to be brought together with 

stitches, and treated as a simple wound. 




604 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



Tumor on Point of the Elbow. 

These are, in most cases, caused by the heels of the shoe when 

the horse lies with his fore limbs bent under him. 

Treatment. — If in its acute stage, hot or cold applications may 

be used ; if very much swollen, bathing with hot water will be best. 

When the acute stage passes off, apply an iodine or biniodide of 

mercury blister ; if se- 
rum is secreted," it is 
recommended as the 
simplest treatment, to 
draw it off with a canula 
and trochar, and inject 
the sac with compound 
tincture of iodine, diluted 
with twice the quantity 
of water. Or, open the 
sac freely at the lower 
part, and heal like a com- 
mon wound. If a hard 
mass is left beneath the 
skin, it is to be dissected 
out, and the skin brought 
together with a couple of 
stitches, and treat as a 
simple wound. 

Sallenders 




Fig. 922. 



-A Good Method of Covering or Poulticing 
tlie Elbow when Injured. 



is a name given to an eruption on the front of the hock joint, con- 
sisting in a scurfiness of the skin, accompanied by an ichorous dis- 
charge, and falling out of the hair. 

Causes. — High feeding without exercise, disorder of the digest- 
ive system, uncleanliness, and bad grooming. In stallions of the 
heavy draught breed it is a very common affection, and proves 
difficult to remove. 

Treatment. — Dress the parts with mercurial or iodine ointments, 
keep the legs dry and clean, and give regular but not severe exer- 
cise, and occasionally a dose of laxative medicine. When only 
slight, the following lotion may remove them : — 

Corrosive sublimate 20 grs. 

Water 1 pt. 

Apply twice a day. 



TENOTOMY. 605 

Mallenders 

is the name given to a similar affection located at the back of the 
knee. The treatment must be the same as for sallenders. 

Saddle and Collar Galls, 

a very common occurrence among horses, are caused by uneven 
pressure of the saddle or collar ; the skin becomes excoriated, and 
the hair falls off Large inflammatory swellings appear, which may 
form into abscesses, or the skin may become indurated and thick- 
ened. 

Treatment. — The parts should be fomented with warm water, 
and some simple or cooling lotion applied, as, — 

Acetate of lead 1 oz. 

Water .1 pt. 

If abscesses form, they must be freely opened, and well fomented 

or poulticed. When 
the skin becomes in- 
durated, forming what 
are called sitfasts, they 
must be dissected out. 
The following is said 
to be an excellent 
healing lotion for sad- 
dle or collar galls : — 

Sulphate copper. .IJ oz. 

Figs. 923, 934.— Sitfasts. The Result of Saddle and Snlpliate zinc i oz. 

Collar Galls. Sugar of lead . . .\\ oz. 

Put in three pints of water. Swab on the parts two or three 
times a day. Reduces inflammation, and sets up healing granulation 
of parts. 

Tenotomy. 

As the name indicates, it consists in division of the tendons in 
cases of morbid contraction, giving rise to knuckling over the fet- 
lock, causing the whole weight to be thrown on the toe. It is only 
applicable to cases in which we have no anchylosis of the joints. 

The horse being cast and properly secured, the leg is taken out 
of the hobbles, and a rope attached to the foot, which is held by as- 
sistants. A longitudinal incision is made about an inch in length, a 
little in front of the tendons, and below any point of thickening that 
may exist. A common small-bladed scalpel, or the curved tenotomy 
knife, is passed in, care being taken to avoid the artery vein and 




606, 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 




nerve, and the tendons are divided ; the skin behind must not be 
cut, as the ends of the tendon may protrude, 
giving rise to fungus growths. The foot should 
now be easily brought into its natural position ; 
if not, some force should be used to bring it back 
"by placing the knee against the front or pro- 
jecting part of it, at the same time laying hold 
of the foot with one hand, and the upper part of 
the leg with the other, and using considerable 
force." This is sometimes necessary to break up 
adhesions which may have formed. A stitch or 
two should be put in the wound, and a thick 
woolen bandage kept constantly wet with cold 
water should be applied for some days. If much 
inflammation ensues, a poultice should be ap- 
plied, and some purgative medicine given. 

If the fetlock descends too much, the heels 
a, Point to enter the should be raised. If adhesions take place during 

knife for cutting tije recovery, a tipped shoe should be put on the foot. 

tcnuoue. j r r i 

In from two to three months he will be fit for work. 
In a conversation with Dr. Hamill about this operation, in ex- 
plaining the simplicity and success of the operation, he referred to 
a case in point. To make the mat- 
ter more clear to the general reader, 
I made the request that he would 
write out a statement of the method 
of treatment used by him, with a 
drawing showing the position of the 
foot before being operated upon ; 
also drawings of his method of ad- 
justment for holding the foot in po- 
sition after the operation, which are 
here cfiven : — 



Fui. 02."). Showing the 
Position of the Foot 
Before being Oper- 
ated Upon. 



Tenotomy, or Division of 
THE Tendons. 




Fig. (I'Jf) Drawing of the Shoe and 

Bar Used for the Treatment of 

the Case Referred To. 



This is one of llie simplest, as well as one 
of the most useful operations in equine sur- 
gery, as it will restore to normal position and 

strength a limb which has been so much deformed by contraction of the great flexor 
tendon of the foot, as to leave an otherwise good horse utterly useless. This con- 
traction causes what is known as knuckling, or descending forward and down- 
ward of the fetlock joint toward the ground. 



TENOTOMY. 



007 




Fio. 937. — Drawing of Model Shoe and Bar Designed 
for this Purpose, and its Adjustment. 



The operation is ns follows : The horse is secured (in some cases throwing down 

is unnecessary), the leg is flexed or bent at the knee, a very small incision is made 

through tlie sl<in on the inside of the 

leg, at the inner border of the tendon, 

where it stands out freest from tlie 

"cannon hone," at a, Fig. 925. Then 

insert a probe-pointed tenotomy knife, 

keeping it pressed as close to the 

tendon as possible to avoid cutting the 

artery, which may be better protected 

by pressing with the fingers of the left 

hand toward the bone, all the soft 

tissues lying in front of the ten- 
don. Press the knife in until the 

skin is reached, but not cut, on 

the opposite side ; turn the edgi; 

toward the tendon, cut carefully 

backward, while an attendant 

straightens the limb, until both 

tendons are severed, if necessary, 

to let the limb out straight. But 

a small wound is best for the 

healing process. And where ad- 
hesions have taken place, force is 

required to straighten out the foot, with tlie brace or 
slay .ihoe. (See Fig. 927.) With a little anti.septic 
dressing occasionally to the wound, recovery will 
take place early. As a much better "set" limb can 
lie had with use of the stay shoe, it may be added that 
one can be easily made by welding a bar of the de- 
sired length on the old shoe, setting it to the position 
of the sound limb, then packing and bandaging all 
together just above the point of operation. (See 
illustnitions927, 928.) 

The adjualable brace shoe, shown in Fig. 936, is also 
simple, which is taken from the very shoe actually in 
use on one of the worst cases of contraction of the 
flexor tendon ever in New York City. A horse be- 
longing to Messrs. Smith & Mc William, Manhattan 
Gas Works, N. Y., was a large, powerful draught 
horse, between fourteen and fifteen liundred weight, 
used at very heavy work. Through some sprain to 
the off hind limb, he kept walking on the toe for 
about five or six months. Every known remedy 
was tried to prevent knuckling, both as regards med- 
ical treatment and shoeing, Heavy plates of steel 
were welded in front of the toe of the shoe. During 
another six months, he kept going over, until finally 
he walked on the anterior face of the hoof, with the 
fetlock joint resting on the ground. Fig. 925 shows 
the position in which the foot was carried. The 




Fig. 928.— Form of Shoe and 
Bar Used by French Veter- 
inarians. 



608 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



limb appeared to be paralyzed above the joint. 
When he was down, he was (juite helpless, had to 
be helped up, and in the end could hardly be 
made to stand alone. The owners decided to 
have him destroyed, although only eight years 
old, but first acquainted their veterinary surgeon. 
He advised tenotomy, which was performed in the 
month of Slarch, 18T8. In a few weeks the horse 
worked on Mr. Smith's farm at heavy plowing, 
and other farm work. Shortly after, he was taken 
back to the city, put to the same heavy work 
again, when he worked for two years, and never 
afterward showed the slightest lameness, or even 
weakness, in that leg. 

Castration. 

The following article was, by special 
request, written by Dr. Chas. A. Meyer, 
who is an expert of the very highest 
order in the performance of this opera- 
tion : — 

Castration by the Latest 
Method. 

Advances and progress have been made in all 
branches of the sciences and arts, and the art and 
science of surgery has been one of them. The nature, temperament, and dis- 
position of the horse is better understood, and the educated veterinarian often 
lisks his life for the benefit of stock raisers. We will, therefore, speak of the most 
improved method of castrating the stallion, as it is now, and will in the future, be 
performed with more ease and success. The old method of castrating the stallion, 
which so often injured the animal by breaking his back, injuring his limbs, sprain- 
ing his muscles, and frequently disabling him for life, is now prevented. The 
method as now performed is to castrate the animal standing. Using no ropes to tie 




Fig. 929— Form of Bar and Shoe 
Used by French Veterinarians. 




Fig. 930. — Miles's Ecraseur 



his legs, no hard usage, no clamps, and is less liable to cause tetanus, erysipelas, 
sclerous cord, etc. The operation is as follows : — 

Put a halter on the animal, speak to him kindly, lead him to a corner, and qui- 
etly back him into it. Have the groom hold the halter-rope with the right hand, 
rather short, and place his left hand or arm over the face of the hoise, and turn the 



CASTRATION. 609 

animal's head to the left, or nigh side. The operator should have a sharp castrating 
knife, a pair of scissors, and, the most important instrument of all, the ecraseur (as 
shown in Fig. 930), called Miles's Ecraseur. The operator should stand on the nigh 
side, midway between the fore and hind legs (say nothing to the horse), grasp the 
scrotum gently in the left hand above the testicles, now with the knife held about 8 
to 10 inches from the scrotum, make a slash into and through the coverings of the 
testicles, cutting into them proper. While the cut is made with the fore fingers at 
the back of the scrotum, raise the several coverings, and the testicles pop out. This 
must be done quickly. Then step back, apply the chain of the ecraseure about an 
inch above the testicle, and quickly tighten the chain. When a firm tortion is on the 
chain, gradually tighten the same, when a peculiar grating sensation will be felt. 
Do not cut clear through the cord with the chain. Then take your scissors and cut 
below the chain, when the testicle will fall to the ground. Gradually loosen the 
chain, which should require about half a minute, and repeat the same operation on 
the second testicle. You will not have any bleeding, and the animal will stand per- 
fectly quiet. 

This was at one time performed by a few men, who traveled through the coun- 
try castrating, and who captivated the stock raisers by their clever way of operating, 
and who look upon it as a secret, of which there is no such thing. The whole secret 
lies in this: The testicles are endowed with a profuse plexus of nerves, and are a 
highly sensitive organ. By making a sharp, quick incision in the testicle, the pain is 
so intense that the animal becomes unnerved, and is under complete control of the 
operator. In this lies the whole secret. In some cases, the stallion makes a few 
sharp, quick kicks with one leg, but they are sc as not to get in close proximity with 
the operator, being straight out behind. There is no danger to either the operator 
or the horse. Nothing is applied to the wounded part, which is to be left alone ; 
a slight swelling will be visible for a few days, which is natural, and must be to pro- 
duce a healing of the parts. The percentage of loss is very slight, and only then 
due to complications, such as colds, etc. I have never yet seen an animal die from 
being operated upon by this method. 

The Old Method, 

as practiced by an old man named Gould, who resides near 
Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y. He is known in that and surrounding 
counties for his success in castrating horses, claiming to have never 
lost a case, and that there was but little swelling after the opera- 
tion. The writer took particular pains to see the old man operate, 
and learn his secret. 

The horse was laid down, and tied in the usual manner. He 
washed the parts thoroughly with warm water, and then greased 
them with lard. The clamps were of the usual kind. It was the 
preparation he put on the clamps that made his success, he said. 

He put on the clamp, first, rye flour paste ; on this he sifted 
equal portions of red precipitate and corrosive sublimate, mixed to- 
gether in powder. In twenty-four hours the clamps were taken off. 
This method of treatment has been pursued for many years by a 
friend of the author, and he claims, with unfailing success, never 
having lost a case, and it is followed by no appreciable swelling. 



610 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Injuries and Diseases of the Penis. 

Causes. — The penis or yard of the stallion more particularly is 
liable to injury, from being kicked in covering, or sometimes it gets 
injured by awkwardness of the groom in serving mares ; also from 
being cruelly struck with a whip or stick while in a state of erection. 
Warts and excrescences frequently cover the surface of the organ. 

Symptoms. — We may have injuries of more or less severity, from 
a slight scratch to deep and severe laceration of its substance ; or, 
on the other hand, the blow may have merely bruised, without 
breaking, the skin, producing want of power to retract it, and often 
accompanied by enormous swelling of the organ. When long out, 
the glans assumes a reddish-brown color, and the surface is cold, 
with very little sensibility. This is known a paraphymosis. Some- 
times these swellings subside, but thickening and enlargement of 
the lower part remains, preventing retraction within the sheath, 
proving very troublesome and unsightly. Warty excrescences are 
easily recognized, and may occur on any part of the organ. 

Treatmejit. — Injuries from kicks and blows must be treated on 
the general principles of subduing inflammation. If it hangs pendu- 
lous, it must be supported by a broad bandage round the body, 
and copious effusion with cold water, or iced water in summer, con- 
stantly applied ; if very hot and tender, accompanied by fever and 
constitutional disturbance, hot fomentations may be more applica- 
ble ; whichever is employed must be persevered in for some length 
of time. Purgatives should be given, and low diet, for some time. 

Unless there is extensive laceration of the substance of the 
organ, nothing more than cold applications are required ; should it 
prove tardy in healing, Goulard's lotion, or a mild solution of sul- 
phate of zinc, will prove beneficial. When it continues, and the 
tumefaction increases, free and deep longitudinal scarification 
must be made on its surface, and repeated in a few days, if neces- 
sary. Sometimes charcoal poultices are required to cleanse the 
wounds and soothe the part. 

Foulness of the Sheath and Yard. 

In geldings the penis becomes diminished considerably in size, 
and, from want of the sexual desire, seldom protrude it without its 
covering, the sheath ; consequently the sebaceous secretion of the 
glands in the prepuce accumulate, forming a black, soft, fetid sub- 
stance, with a strong persistent uric odor. This sometimes be- 
comes irritating, and gives rise to uneasiness, and should be oc- 
casionally washed out with warm water and a soft sponge, taking 



PARTURITION, OR FOALING. 611 

care not to scratch or bruise the inner surface, as troublesome 
swellings sometimes ensue. 

More trouble, however, arises from the accumulation of little 
round " beans " (as horsemen call them), of a soft clayish appear- 
ance, in the cavity in the head of the penis, surrounding the end 
of the urethra, sometimes obstructing the passage of the urine by 
pressing on the urethra, or even stopping up the orifice itself, giv- 
ing rise to difficulty in staling, and uneasiness. 

The sheath should be washed out with soap and water, and the 
hand, well oiled, should be passed up, and the penis drawn out, 
when the accumulation should be removed, taking care not to 
scratch or bruise the parts. 

Parturition, or Foaling. 

The period of gestation in the mare varies from eleven to thir- 
teen months. Usually about ten days before foaling she begins to 
"make bag," the udder enlarges, and a thin, milky fluid can be 
drawn from the teats, and a glairy discharge escapes from the 
vagina, giving warning that the foal is about to be dropped. When 
the time approaches, she becomes uneasy, getting up and down 
frequently. Presently the true labor pains begin, the womb con- 
tracts on its contents, assisted by the diaphragm and abdominal 
muscles ; the whole body is convulsed with the effort ; the mouth 
of the womb becomes dilated; the water-bag appears and bursts; 
and when the presentation is natural, a few efforts force it out — 
sometimes inclosed in the membranes, which must be immediately 
removed ; and if the cord does not give way itself, it being some- 
times thick and strong, a ligature should be put on it about four 
inches from the belly, and the remainder cut away. In general, 
mares are best left to themselves at this important period ; but care 
should be taken that they do not get into awkward positions, as 
against a wall, or the sides of the box. 

Abnormal Presentations. 

The natural position of the foal at birth is with the head rest- 
ing on the two fore legs. When in this position, and the parts 
natural, it soon comes away without very much exertion. In many 
cases, however, the foal is found in such positions as to prevent its 
escape without assistance. In all cases of protracted labor, where 
the pains continue without effect, assistance may be required. The 
hand being raised in temperature by washing in warm water, 
should be introduced to ascertain the cause. In some cases the 



612 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

neck of the womb will be found not sufficiently dilated, but the foal 
is found in its natural position. In such cases it may be gently 
dilated with the hand, or left alone, when nature will often overcome 
it herself. In cases of natural presentation, we must not be in too 
much of a hurry to deliver; harm is often done by injudicious in- 
terference. One or both fore legs may be doubled back, with the 
head presenting. In this case, push it back, and pass the hand 
down the leg if possible ; get them up into the passage, either by 
the hand or looped cords passed round the fetlock, when, by slight 
traction, it will generally be brought away. The legs may be pre- 
sented in the passage, and the head either doubled down under the 
brim of the pelvis, or turned over the shoulder down on the flank. 
In this case, it should be pushed back bodily, and the head sought 
for, when a loop must be placed, if possible, on the lower jaw ; it 
must now be pushed back, while the head is to be pulled forward, 
and brought into the passage. This case is often very troublesome, 
from the difficulty sometimes experienced in reaching the head. It 
is sometimes necessary to remove one of the legs by cutting the 
skin round the fetlock, and with the embryotomy knife dividing the 
skin of the leg as far as the shoulder, and separating it with the 
fingers, when it can be removed. A cord should be attached to the 
loose skin to aid in traction, when the head can in most cases be 
reached. We have had occasion to remove both legs in the same 
manner before delivery could be effected. 

Sometimes the buttocks and tail only are to be felt ; this is 
often a troublesome case, especially when the legs dip under the 
pelvis. It must be pushed well in, and the hind feet, if possible, 
secured and brought into the passage. Often, however, it is very 
difficult to do, when, as recommended by Prof. Dick, " the contents 
of the abdomen must be removed at the rectum ; the pelvis divided 
at the symphysis, when a cord being attached, and force used, the 
hind legs will get into the place of the viscera, and the quarters col- 
lapse so as to allow of extraction." The whole four feet may be 
presented in the passage ; the simplest way of delivering in this case 
is to feel for the hocks, and slip loops on the hind feet ; and by push- 
ing back the fore ones, it may be removed by the hind legs. 

It is impossible to describe minutely the details of procedure in 
these cases, as, from difference in collateral circumstances, such as 
size, age, length of time she has been in labor, swelling of the parts, 
etc., etc., different plans of treatment must suggest themselves to 
the operator. The principles to be observed are these : endeavor 
to get it into its natural position, in which position it is easiest de- 



BLISTERS. 613 

livered ; failing in that, get it into the next easiest, viz., the hind 
legs first ; that impracticable, remove those parts of the foal which 
offer most resistance, care being taken in so doing not to bruise or 
lacerate the mare. In no circumstances are tact, coolness, and 
steady perseverance more required than in a protracted case of 
labor ; however, the dictates of humanity no less than professional 
duty demand that we shrink not from the most difficult. For diffi- 
culties incident to parturition, such as inflammation, flooding, etc., 
see Chapter XX, page 183, Second Part. 

Blisters. 

Before a blister is applied, the hair must be cut off from the 
part as closely as possible. The blistering ointment is then to be 
well rubbed into the part with the hand ; and after this has been 
continued about ten minutes, some of the ointment may be smeared 
on the part. In blistering the legs, the tender part of the heel, 
under the fetlock joint, is to be avoided ; it may be better to rub a 
little hog's lard or vaseline on it, in order to defend it from any of 
the blisters that may accidentally run down from the leg. When 
the legs are blistered, all the litter should be removed from the stall, 
and the horse's head should be carefully secured, to prevent his rub- 
bing the blistered parts with his nose. On the third day he may 
have a cradle put around his neck, and be turned loose into a large 
box, or a paddock, or an orchard. In a field he would be apt to 
take too much exercise. About a week or ten days after the blister 
has been applied, the parts should be oiled with some olive-oil or 
vaseline. If flies are troublesome, and make the horse restless, they 
may be kept off by the tar ointment, or tar and train oil mixed. 

COUNTER -IRRITANTS. 

Their Uses, How to Employ Them, etc., — Williams. 

In all painful affections, warm fomentations or poultices must as a rule be pre- 
scribed. In the course of some days, however, if the pain is subsiding, and the 
parts seemingly relaxed, much benefit will be obtained by making a change to cold, 
mild astringents and bandages, to promote absorption of the exude. 

The congested capillaries may be relieved by local bleeding, but the parts upon 
which such an operation is performed are very few, except about the coronet of the 
foot. An incision into the coronary plexus will reach the vessels at once ; the 
utility of this is, however, very doubtful, except in rare cases. Bleeding at the toe, 
although much practiced by many, is not to be commended. 

Purgatives are very useful during the first stages of lameness, reducing the in- 
flammation. A full dose of aloes may be given with advantage, the diet being 
properly regulated and restricted to bran mashes, a little hay, and the water to be 
(Allied. 



614 DISEASES AXD THEIR THE ATM EXT. 

After the acute signs of inflammation have subsided, if the lameness still re- 
mains, the application of the so-called counter-imtants will be rendered necessary. 
These consist of rubefacients, blisters, setons, and the actual cautery. The actions 
of these remedies differ only in degree, in rapidity, and in performance, not in the 
nature of the exudation which they produce. Without entering into any speculative 
discussion upon the question, superficial irritants are beneficial in all cases of chronic 
lameness, whether it be caused by disease in bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon, or 
any other structure ; and they are often more decidedly beneficial when applied to 
the diseased structure itself than to the skin covering it. For example, a lameness 
arises from bone spavin ; its eradication is much more certain and rapid when a 
pointed cautery is applied to the diseased bones than when the hock is fired in the 
ordinary way. Again, a spavin has been fired and blistered repeatedly without ben- 
efit ; the bones are "punched" (a barbarous operation, and only to be performed in 
extreme cases), violent inflammation is excited in the diseased bones, which for a 
time increases the lameness; but this gradually subsides, and the original lameness is 
found to be removed. 

I am of the opinion that the curative action of external irritants is not due to 
their producing metastasis or counter-irritation ; but that they excite within the orig- 
inally diseased structure a reparative inflammation, partaking in its nature of what 
is described by Virchow as the "secretory inflammation," which, superseding the 
original diseased j)roce.ss (whether that be inflammation pure and simple or its efl'ects, 
ulceration, caries, or a formation of a low form of fibrous tissues), excites the forma- 
tion of reparative material by which the breaches are united, ulcers healed, and dis- 
eased action removed. 

To illustrate this view, I will bring forward two familiar examples: 1. The heal- 
ing of a sinus or fistula, after the application of a blister, or of the actual cautery to 
the skin contingent to it ; and 2. The removal of phlebitis (inflammation of the vein 
in the neck after bleeding) by a blister. 

In the first instance, we find that a sinus heals after a blister or cautery, by the 
formation of an organizable exude, which completely fills up the cavity of the 
sinus ; and, in the second, we find that a blister assists in the obliteration of the in- 
flamed vein, not by removing the inflammation from it, but by promoting the forma- 
tion of a large quantity of reparative lymph, and hastening its further development 
into fibrous tissues, by which the vessel is transformed at the inflamed part into a 
fibrous cord. Now if the curative action were due to the removal of inflammation, 
we should find that in the first case the relief would be only of a temporary nature, 
the sinus would still remain, being generally the cause and not the effect of the 
morbid action; and in the second, that the inflammation being removed from the 
coats of the veins, the vessel would, upon removal of the clot, become pervious. 
But such is not the case. Let the clot be removed ever so often, it is sure to form 
again, and nothing has the power of overcoming the inflammation of the vessel until 
it has been transformed into an organized cord, a process most materially hastened 
by the application of a blister. 

I think it may therefore be accepted that external irritants — whether they be 
simply rubefacients, producing a mere redness of the skin, vesicants or blisters, 
which cause elevations of the cuticle by fluid underneath it, or cauterization and 
setons, which promote the suppurative action — remove lameness by assisting nature 
in a process of repair. 

Rubefacients may be employed in the less severe forms of lameness, in sprains ol 
tendons, or in slight affections of joints, along with rest and fomentations, after the 
more acute symptoms have passed away. 



COUXTEK-IRRITANTS. 616 

It is usual to apply blisters in all cases of some standing, when organic changes 
in the parts involved are suspected. Before a blister is applied, the hair should be 
clipped from the part, which, if dirty, ought to be washed, and when dry, the blister 
applied with smart friction for about ten minutes. To obtain the full effect of 
a blister, a quantity of ointment is to be thickly laid on after the rubbing in is 
completed. 

The best agent is cantharides, in the form of acetate, tincture, or ointment, to 
the limbs, the ointment in preference ; one part of cantharides to twelve parts of 
lard or palm-oil. If prepared with a temperature equal to the boiling point of water 
(312°), it will be sufficiently strong and will never blemish. It is a mistake to think 
that the powdered flies should be mixed with the vehicle when it is nearly cold. An 
ointment so prepared will require three times the quantity of cantharides. The heat 
melts the cantharidine. 

Ilint.i upon Blistering OeneraUy. — No more than two legs are to be blistered at one 
time, and three weeks at least must be allowed to elapse before the others are blis- 
tered, and between each re-application. It is a bad practice to blister extensively in 
very hot weather; and it is a mistake to suppose that blisters to the loins and back 
are more apt to irritate the urinary organs than when applied to any other part of 
the body, provided that it be carefully and properly done. 

The evil results of blistering are: 1st. The production of strangury, by the ab- 
sorbed cantharidine irritating the urinary pa.ssages. This is a very rare occurrence, 
provided the blister has been applied to a moderate extent of surface ; but if four 
legs, or even two, be extensively blistered at one time, the occurrence of such may 
be laid down to the indiscretion of the practitioner. In some cases, however, very- 
moderate blistering may be followed by strangury, and when it does occur, it is best 
treated thus ; First wash the blistered surface with warm water, in which a little 
alkali has been dissolved ; dress it with oil, give the animal demulcents to drink, 
such as cold linseed tea, and administer a few doses of opium and bicarbonate of 
soda. 

2d. The production of a considerable amount of nervous irritability, fidgeti- 
ness, quickened pulse, and injected mucous membranes, with loss of appetite. 
These symptoms are due to a nervous temperament ; and if not very severe, had bet- 
ter not be interfered with. Should they become alarming, the animal must be treated 
as in the first instance ; the fomentations being continued for a longer period to the 
legs. It may be here mentioned that fomentations should not be hot, but soothingly 
•warm. 

Sometimes blisters, no matter how carefully applied, produce excessive swell- 
ings of the limb or limbs, with a tendency to suppuration and sloughing of the skin. 
These results are generally due to the animal's being in bad health, and in a condi- 
tion tending to anasarca or to erysipelatous disease. The treatment must consist of 
purgatives or diuretics, as the case may be ; fomentations, astringent lotions, and 
gentle exercise, as soon as the pain is sufficiently subsided to admit of the animal's be- 
ing moved about. In many cases the swellings involve the sheath of the penis, and 
the under surface of the abdomen. Punctures are very useful in such parts, by al- 
lowing the escape of the contained fluid. I have seen tetanus arise from a very 
limited blister to one fore leg. 

If the effects are not sufficiently apparent in about thirty hours after the blis- 
ter has been applied, a very little more, or what is remaining on the skin, which 
may be sufficient, should be gently rubbed in ; and in about forty-eight hours after 
the application the part is to be washed, and every trace of the blister removed ; 



616 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

a little oil being now applied, or, what suits better, perhaps, an emulsion of sweet- 
oil, carbonate of potash, and water. It is a mistake to keep the parts soft too long . 
the eschars should be allowed to accumulate, and to desquamate gradually. 

Firing, or the application of the actual cautery, is a much more serere irritant 
than a blister, and often removes pain very rapidly when repeated blisters have 
failed to do so. In bone diseases, and in all cases of chronic lameness, it is of great 
benefit, and seems to act by powerfully exciting the healing process in the part dis- 
eased. The firing may be in lines, and sujierficial, the transverse method being the 
least calculated to blemish ; or it may be in points, and deep, by pyro-puncture (see 
treatment for spavins, ring-bones, etc.) into the diseased structure. This latter 
method is the more easily performed, and the more effective. 

Nothing is more calculated to dispel the idea of the correctness of the counter- 
irritation theory than the dissection of a part which has been recently fired (say three 
days after the operation), when it will be found that the skin, subcutaneous tissue, 
and the bones, — when they are superficially situated, such as those of the hock, 
pastern, etc., — are involved in the inflammatory action so produced. Thus a bone 
spavin lameness is removed by the inflammation excited by the cautery in the dis- 
eased bones, providing a supply of material for the purpose of uniting them to- 
gether into one immovable mass ; or as in caries of a ginglymoid joint, for the re- 
pair of destroyed structure, as already explained. 

Scions act very satisfactorily in some cases of bone diseases, especially those ac- 
companied by external heat of the part ; they produce a discharge of pus, and their 
action can be continued for a much longer time than that of blistering or firing. In 
tendinous or ligamentous lameness, with much thickening of the integuments and 
subcutaneous structures, setons should not be employed, as they leave much addi- 
tional thickening, and are not so effectual as the actual cautery. 

Hot Fomentations. 

This is so often advised for acute inflammation, sprains, etc., 
notwithstanding the simplicity of its apph'cation, I think it advis- 
able to give such details as will serve to aid the owner in its use. 
The use of hot and cold water alone, intelligently applied, will be 
found a very safe, simple, and effective remedy for allaying inflam- 
mation, pain, and congestion. 

The principle is to apply all the heat the animal will bear, but 
not enough to scald or burn. It is best accomplished by wringing 
through a common clothes wringer a woolen blanket (a common 
horse-blanket will do) out of boiling hot water, fold it quickly into 
four or more thicknesses, and place it over the affected part. Cover 
the hot cloth well with dry blanket. If continued or repeated long 
enough to relax the skin, cold is to be applied to tone it up, when, 
if necessary, the heat is to be again continued. 

For Acute Pleurisy. — To relieve the pain, apply hot fomenta- 
tions over the seat of the pain, from one to three hours, or till the 
pain subsides. The fomentations should be renewed every five or 
ten minutes, and at the conclusion should be followed with a heavy, 
cold compress for about ten minutes. Ice compresses instead of 



HOT FOMENTATIONS. 61T 

the fomentations will sometimes afford relief when all other means 
fail. After ice-compresses have been applied for an hour, they 
should be followed by a hot fomentation, and then apply the cold 
compress again until the pain subsides. 

For Colic. — Apply hot fomentations sufficiently large to cover 
the abdomen or belly of the horse, in quick succession, for an hour 
or so, till relief is obtained. And at the same time give a copious 
injection of hot water into the rectum, of from 110° to 118° F. A 
gallon or two of water should be used for this purpose. Any kind 
of a syringe will do, but the Fountain Syringe is much to be pre- 
ferred above all others. Sometimes the fomentation is all that is 
necessary to give relief, and sometimes injections alone will give 
great relief 

For Strains and Sprains. — Apply hot fomentations vigorously, 
changing them every five or ten minutes till the pain and swelling 
subside. Apply a cold compress for the last application, and the 
compress can be left on continuously, but it should be covered with 
the woolen cloth. 

For a Cold. — If the cold is located in the head, a fomentation 
can be applied to the head, and should be extensive enough to cover 
most of the neck. This can be done by folding a blanket length- 
wise about four thicknesses, and just winding it spirally around the 
horse's head so as not to cover the eyes ; and if one blanket is not 
sufficient, another blanket can be wound around the head and down 
the neck in the same manner. The fomentation should be well 
covered with a dry blanket, and if it is so hot that the horse cannot 
bear it, the hot folded blanket, after being wrung out of hot water, 
should be folded in a dry one, so as not to burn him. In this case, 
it is not necessary to add another dry blanket over the fomentation. 

If the cold seems to be settled all over the horse, several blank- 
ets may be joined at the edges, and thrown over the horse so that 
the edges hang down to the ground, forming a kind of tent for the 
horse to be under. The edges of the blanket behind and before the 
body can be pinned together. Then place a vessel with hot water 
under the horse, and a hot brick or hot flat-irons can be thrown 
into the water to produce a vapor, which should be continued until 
the horse is in a profuse sweat. Then he can be sponged off, be- 
ginning with cool water, and ending with cold water, or sprayed 
with cool water, then with cold ; or the water can be poured over 
the body, if it is not convenient to spray. The animal should then 
be warmly blanketed, and in the course of 20 minutes if he does not 
sweat, or has ceased to sweat, he should be dried thoroughly by 



018 DISEASES AND TIIEIH TRKArMRNT. 

wipinp with cloths and rubbing with the hand, until perfectly dry. 
Care should be taken that the temperature of the room in which 
this treatment is given docs not fall much below 50°, and would 
be better to be about 65° or 70°, and there should be no draught. 
The treatment can be made much more effective by placing the 
horse's feet in as hot water as he will bear, while the vapor bath 
is being given. 

Another method is a hot-blanket pack, which is sometimes 
more convenient, and is just as effectual. The hot-blanket pack 
can be given by wringing a heavy blanket out of hot water, and 
folding it ; then folding it in a dry blanket and putting it around 
the body of the horse. It will require at least two such blankets to 
to reach over the body of the horse. He should then be very 
heavily blanketed, so as to keep the heat of the hot cloths in, and 
produce perspiration. The hot-blanket pack should be followed by 
cool sponging, spraying, or pouring, the same as after the vapor 
bath. The after-treatment should be the same as after a vapor 
bath. 

Foui/ncK.s. 

The simplest and cheapest poultice can be made by jjouring 
boiling water on about a peck of bran, so as to make a very thin 
mash ; or linseed meal could be added to it. Boiled turnips make 
a good poultice, which would also be improved by the addition of 
a little linseed meal. 

Poultices are generally too small, confined, and dry. A poultice 
should be made large, so as to cover the parts thoroughly, and keep 
them moist. When a horse gets a nail in the foot, or it is calked, or 
when there is any local inflammation from an injury, covering the 
parts with a warm poultice will be found a very simple and good 
way of keeping down inflammation. If it is desired to poultice the 
leg for a sprain of the tendons, a flannel bag can be made for the 
purpose, or an old pant's leg, if convenient, can be pulled up over the 
leg ; tie a string loosely around the foot below the fetlock, and fill 
the bag with the poultice above the knee, which can be kept up by 
tying a piece of listing, or a strip of flannel over the shoulder. 
Poultices are al.so useful applications for promoting suppuration in 
inflamed tumors, and when there is irritation or inflammation in 
the heels, such as scratches, cracks, or grease. The poultices com- 
monly employed for these purposes are of an emollient character. 
The following is a standard formula : — 



THE rULSE. 619 

Linseed meal 1 lb. 

Bran 3 qts. 

Hog's lard 2 to 4 oz. 

Boiling water enough to make a soft jjoultice. 

Or, turnips thoroughly boiled and mashed, any quantity, linseed 
meal enough to form the poultice. A good poultice can be made of 
carrots, grated fine. Either of these simple poultices may be con- 
verted into an anodyne poultice by the addition of opium ; into a 
fermenting poultice by the addition of yeast, and by substituting 
oatmeal for linseed meal ; into an astringent poultice by the addi- 
tion of Goulard's extract, sugar of lead, or powdered alum ; and into 
a detergent poultice by the addition of white or blue vitriol. 

In obstinate cases of virulent grease, where there is much pain, 
and a stinking, dark-colored discharge, and especially when emol- 
lients are found ineffectual, the detergent poultice has quickly cured 
the disease, and in such cases even a solution of corrosive sublimate 
has been used with the best effect. But emollients should always 
be fairly tried, and some diuretic medicine given. 

The Pulse. 

The arteries are the vessels which convey the blood from the 
heart to the system. "The blood nowhere passes through an artery 
so rapidly as it is forced into it by the ventricles of the heart, on ac- 
count of the resistance offered by all the tubes against which it is 
forced. The consequence is, that when it receives the wave of blood, 
both the diameter and the length of the vessel is increased, and this 
is followed by a recoil and recovery of its previous position, owing 
to the elasticity of the tube ; these operations constitute the pulse, 
which is felt when the finger slightly compresses an artery." — Ben- 
nett. Hence the pulsations of the artery correspond with the beat- 
ings of the heart, and consequently indicate the irritability of that 
organ, or the system generally. The average pulse of the horse is 
from, thirty-two to forty beats per minute. The smaller and 
more nervous the horse, the quicker the pulse ; while the larger and 
coarser bred, the slower. The most convenient places to feel the 
pulse are at the arm, on the inside where the artery {radial) passes 
over the head of the bone, or on the under part of the lower jaw. 
It can be felt easiest and best at the lower jaw, a little behind, 
where the submaxillary artery comes up and winds round to gain 
the cheek. (See Fig. 931.) Pass the finger down the jaw up near 
the neck on the inner edge, and a cord-like ridge will be felt, which, 
upon gently and firmly pressing it with the end of the finger, will 
plainly be felt to throb and beat. (See P'ig. 932.j 



620 



DISEASES AXD THEIR TREATMENT. 



"Frequent reference is made to the state of the pulse in different 
diseases, such as colic, pneumonia, laminitis, etc., etc. Hence it 
should be studied carefully. For example, during the early stage 
of colic, the pulse will be hardly affected, and the ears and legs will 
be natural in temperature ; while in inflammation of the bowels the 
pulse will be quick and wiry, ears and legs cold, etc. In fever it is 
quick, wiry, and light, indicating the extreme or not of disturbance 
in the circulation." — Youatt. 

There are four general principles, or points, which must influ- 




FiG. 931. — Showing the Pulse. 

1 and 12, Carotid artery and its branches; 1.3, Submaxillary artery. 



ence the course of treatment in all diseases. If there is high tem- 
perature, 102° to 107° (10T° to 108° is fatal), the first point is to reduce 
the fever. In first stage, aconite internally is best ; externally, 
wrapping the body and extremities to equalize the temperature. 

The heart's action is the next great point. Thirty-four to forty 
beats to a minute is normal ; below that indicates debility. If it is a 
quick, wiry, or thready pulse, it indicates inflammation of the intes- 



GIVJXG BALLS. 621 

tines or abdominal organs, which calls immediately for sedatives. 
Take, for example, general colic treatment. Usual colic dose : — 

Laudanum 1 to 2 oz. 

Sweet spirits of niter 1 to 2 oz. 

Tincture belladonna 1 to 2 dr. 

Linseed-oil J to 1 pt. 

If tympanites (flatulent colic), would add to the above one half 
to one ounce tincture Jamaica ginger, and one half to one ounce 
aromatic spirits of ammonia, with a few drops tincture nux vomica, 
every half hour, until relieved. 

Quick and feeble pulse indicates the lungs being involved. 
Moderately rapid, and throb- 
bing or bounding pulse would 
indicate inflammation of the 
extremities, such as laminitis, 
and is to be treated as such. 

While an irregular pulse-beat, _ ,___ » __. ,„, 

whether fast or slow, would AJHB^ ^^' 

indicate the heart itself being 
involved, which is to be 
treated by giving medicines 

that act upon the heart, such ^>'' ' ^^iSis^ ->-*>''''^^^\ '^ 

as alcoholic stimulants, bel- /^^if'' *<^^*^^^ / 

ladonna, and digitalis. The sSm^^ J^'^^ ' 

first two stimulate the heart, 
the last is a heart sedative. 
Of alcohol, brandy, etc., give p,Q 930 _Feellng the Pulse. 

2 to 4 ounces, with same 

quantity of water for a dose ; tincture of belladonna, 10 to 12 drops, 
which may be given in small doses every hour for an unlimited 
time, or in 1 to 2 drachm doses twice a day, not to be longer than a 
few days. Digitalis, being a heart sedative, must be used with 
greater caution ; from 15 to 60 drops of the tincture may be given 
twice a day for two to four days, or until the heart's action be- 
comes slower. This drug has accumulative properties — that is, it 
may not seem to act for some time ; and then act with such great 
force as to be fatal. — Hamill. 

Giving Balls. 

^Medicine is most commonly given to horses in the form of a 
ball or bolas, the size of which should not exceed that of a hen's 
^%%. Though named a ball, it is generally rolled up in a cylindrical 
form, about one inch in diameter, and two and a half in length. In 




622 



DISEASES AXD THEIR TREAT ME XT. 



giving a ball, the horse's tongue is drawn out on the off or right side, 
and held firmly with the left hand, while with the right the ball is 
quickly passed over the tongue into the pharynx, or top of the gul- 




FiG. 933.— Bad Method of Giving Ball. 

let. The hand should be kept as near to the roof of the mouth as 
possible in giving the ball ; there will then be much less danger of 
being wounded by the teeth. The moment the right hand is with- 
drawn from the mouth, the .tongue is let loose, and the ball generally 
swallowed. 

Balls cannot be conveniently given unless wrapped up in paper ; 




Fig. 934.— Approved Method. 

but for this purpose the softest and thinnest should be chosen. In 
holding the tongue with the left hand, while the ball is introduced, 
great care is required, as the rough and violent manner in which this 
is sometimes done often injures the tongue, or lacerates the under 
part of it. The muscles by which swallowing is effected may also 
be seriously injured in this way. In violent colds, strangles, etc.. 



PHYSICKING. 



623 



there is often so much 
soreness of the throat as 
to render swallowing" very 
painful and difficult ; in 
such cases, neither balls 
nor drenches should be 
given, as they are sure 
to do mischief by irritat- 
ing the throat, and may 
even suffocate the animal 
by getting into the wind- 
pipe. 




Fig. 93.5.— Alter Giving Ball. 

Physicking. 



It is always best, if possible, to prepare the horse for physic by 
jiving a bran mash twenty-four hours previously, as the medicine 

r 




Fig. 936. — Giving a Drench. 

will act more favorably, and there is less danger of superpurgation. 
Five drachms of aloes (Barbadoes aloes are always used for horses) 
will act as forcibly after a mash as seven without. Again, the quan- 



€24 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

tity of physic should be adapted to age and size. The rule is to 
give one drachm for each year up to seven. Eight drachms is the 
largest given at one dose. The following is a good physic ball : — 

Barbadoes aloes, pulverized 7 dr. 

Bar soap 4 dr. 

Ginger 1 dr. 

The usual way is to mix the ingredients in this proportion, then 
reduce to the weight intended, and give. 

For alterative balls simply give from one to two or three 
drachms of mass, as above prepared, two or three times a week, for 
a week or two. The following are the details advised : — 

The horse should be fed with bran mashes for two or three 
days, and have moderate but regular exercise, or be worked with 
moderation. He should be allowed only a moderate quantity of 
hay, especially if he has a voracious appetite ; and if inclined to eat 
his litter, he should be prevented by a muzzle, or by being tied up 
to the rack in the day-time, or what is still better, by having his 
litter removed during the day, and by applying the muzzle at night 
after he has eaten his allowance of hay. If in low condition, some 
oats may be mixed with the bran mashes ; but eight to ten pounds 
of good hay are a sufficient allowance for a day and night. On the 
morning when the physic is given, neither hay nor mashes should 
be allowed, until two or three hours after it has been taken. Some 
practitioners, however, direct a small, thin mash of bran only, to be 
given about an hour after, for the purpose of dissolving or mixing 
with the physic. This, however, is unnecessary, though supposed 
to render the effect milder and more expeditious. But this is not 
the case ; physic should be given fasting. During the day, the 
horse may have walking exercise for about half an hour, once 
only, and be fed with bran mashes, and have the chill taken off his 
water. Grooms generally consider exercise unnecessary or im- 
proper on the day the physic is given ; and on the following day, 
when the medicine generally operates, they are apt to give too 
much exercise. But as soon as the purging has taken place in a 
sufficient degree, which is generally the case about the afternoon of 
the day after it is taken, exercise is unnecessary and improper. 
And should the purging continue, or be found to be going on the 
following morning (that is, on the morning of the third day, includ- 
ing that on which the medicine was given), it should be restrained 
by gruel made of arrow-root or fine wheat flour, with which the 
horse should be drenched if he refuses to drink it. Should the 



PHYSICKING. 625 

purging continue after this, about half an ounce of tincture of opium 
may be given with a little gruel. 

Horses sometimes appear sick, and refuse their food, after tak- 
ing physic, either during the afternoon or evening of the same day, 
or the following morning. This is generally caused by a neglect of 
the preparation above directed, by the stomach being loaded at the 
time the physic is given, or by the horse feeding improperly too 
soon afterward ; and not unfrequently by the physic being too 
strong. When this sickness is observed, the horse should have 
walking exercise ; and if it be on the same day the physic is taken, 
and the uneasiness be considerable, let a clyster be administered ; 
nothing more is necessary. Should it continue, however, the fol- 
lowing morning let him be again exercised, and have some water 
with the chill off; and if the purging does not come on, and he ap- 
pears to make fruitless efforts to dung, let the clyster be repeated, 
which, with repetition of the exercise, will generally produce the 
desired effect. A horse should be clothed, and not exposed to rain 
or cold wind during the operation of physic ; and when its opera- 
tion has ceased, he should be gradually brought back to his usual 
diet and work. 

Cathartics improve digestion and chylification by cleansing the 
intestines and unloading the liver, and if the animal is afterward 
properly fed, will improve his strength and condition in a remark- 
able degree. Diuretics carry off the excrementitious matter of the 
blood by the kidneys, and thereby produce a similar effect, but not 
in so essential or permanent a manner ; for if the system of feeding, 
which renders the blood impure, be continued, it will soon return to 
its original state. Cathartics are always useful when the appetite 
and digestion are bad, and this is known by a voracious or de- 
praved appetite, both for food and for water, rumbling of the 
bowels, and a frequent discharge of wind from the anus. This is 
the case in a remarkable degree with broken-winded horses, and 
generally in such as have chronic cough, or are crib-biters. Ca- 
thartics should not be given too strong or too frequently, as they 
may thereby weaken instead of strengthen the digestive organs, 
and produce the effect they were intended to remove. Cathartics 
should always be made with soap, in the following manner, and 
then, if given upon an empty stomach, they will be carried off, and 
will not be dissolved until they get into the large bowels, where 
their effect is intended to be produced ; that is, carrying off all the 
excrementitious matter that may be lodged in them. When given 
in this way, they never produce sickness or pain in the stomach, 
40 a 



626 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

but always operate without pain or danger. The following is a good 

cathartic ball : — 

Barbadoes aloes, powdered 4 dr. to 1 oz. 

Hard soap 3 to 4 dr. 

Ginger 1 dr. 

Water 1 dr. 

Oil of cloves 10 drops. 

Beat the soap, oil of cloves, and water together in a mortar, so 
as to form a paste, and if necessary use more water. This being 
done, add the powdered aloes and ginger, and beat the whole into 
a ball. 

Bleeding, or Phlebotomy. 

The operation of blood-letting is now almost discarded in 
modern practice. It is simple, and can be performed by almost any 




Fig. 937.— Raising the Vein. 



one with a steady hand. For its performance a fleam and blood- 
stick are required ; the star of the fleam should be large at the 
shoulder, to make a sufficient opening to allow a free flow of blood, 
and the blade should be broad, to prevent its sinking in when the 
vein is deep. The jugular vein of the neck is usually selected to 
bleed from. The head should be moderately raised and slightly 
turned off, the eye next the operator being covered by the hand of 
the assistant holding the head. The left side is easiest operated 
on ; the vein is raised by the pressure of the third and little fingers 
of the left hand, which holds the fleam. It is most superficial about 
two inches from the angle of the jaw, consequently this point is 



SETONS. 



627 




Fio. 988.— Method of Placing the Fleam. 



usually selected for the operation. The vein being raised, and the 
hair smoothed down by the moistened finger, the star of the fleam 
is placed in line 
with the course of 
the vein, with one 
smart tap -of the 
blood-stick the 
skin and coats of 
the vein are punct- 
ured, and the 
blood will flow. 
When sufficient 
has been ab- 
stracted, the 
edges of the 
wound should be 
carefully taken to- 
gether, and hairs 
and clot carefully 
wiped away ; a small pin is passed through them, and a little tow 
wound round it, and the point of the pin cut off. The head should 
be tied up for a few hours to prevent his rubbing the pin off. 

Setons. 

Setons are similar in their action to rowels, and are used for 
much the same purposes. They are usually made of broad white 
tape. In inserting a seton, the skin is cut with 
the roweling scissors as above. A seton needle, 
which should be large and well polished, is passed 
in and pushed under the skin as far as is neces- 
sary , another cut is then made in the skin, through 
which it is passed out ; the needle in its course 
should separate the skin on each side from its 
cellular attachments. The lower opening should 
always be so placed that the matter will have a 
dependent outlet. The ends of the seton should be 
tied to circular pieces of leather, so as to prevent 
its being pulled through. It is necessary to wash it frequently 
with warm water, and pull it up and down often, to keep it open, 
dressing it occasionally with digestive ointment to keep up the 
discharge. 




Fig. 939.— The Or 

ifice Closed after 

Bleeding. 



628 DISEASES AND THEIR TREAT ME XT. 

The Rowel. 

Rowels are used as counter-irritants in treating deep-seated in- 
flammations ; and whenever any morbid disease is to be stopped, as 
in grease and in thrushes, they have long been favorite remedies 
among horsemen. 

In applying a rowel, the skin is to be taken up between the 
finger and thumb, and a cut is made in the skin with the roweling 
scissors, and with the hook on the handle of the scissors, it is sep- 
arated from its cellular connections for about two inches, and a dos- 
sil of tow, or a circular piece of leather, with a hole in it, previously 
dipped in digestive ointment, is inserted, which must be cleaned and 
moved every day. A discharge is soon set up, which has a tendency 
to remove any deep-seated, morbid action. 

Cm Tr.\cheotomy. 

It sometimes happens that from the tumefaction of strangles, 
the impaction of foreign bodies, and other sudden causes of obstruc- 
tion, the life of the patient is threatened from suffocation. It is 
found necessary to open the windpipe to avert the untoward result, 
until the cause of the obstruction be removed. 

It consists in making an incision through the skin and muscles 
in the mesian line down on the trachea, or windpipe, cutting through 
two rings of this tube, and inserting a bent tube, which is usually 
made of block-tin, with a broad flange, to which tapes or straps are 
attached to tie it round the neck. It is usually employed to give 
temporary relief; but I have known horses to work with a tube in 
the windpipe for years. It must be frequently taken out and 
cleaned. When the cause of the obstruction is removed, the tube is 
withdrawn, and the edges of the skin being scarified, they are care- 
fully brought together, and treated as a simple wound. 

Embrocations 

are excernal applications in a liquid form, that are rubbed on a dis- 
eased part, as in strains and indolent swellings, and as an auxiliary in 
the treatment of internal inflammation. They are of a stimulating 
nature, and greatly assisted by friction. Of this kind are opodeldoc, 
soap liniment, etc. 

EMBROCATION FOR HARD, I>rDOLENT TUMORS. 

(No 1.) Olive-oil 4 oz. 

Camphor 4 dr. 

Mix. 



EMBROCATIONS. 629 

(No 3.) Mercurial ointment 2 oz. 

Olive-oil 2 dr. 

Camphor 2 dr. 

Embrocations of a more stimulating kind are sometimes em- 
ployed in swellings of the joints, old strains, or other local affections, 
such as soap liniment with liquid ammonia, olive-oil, and oil of tur- 
pentine ; but blisters in such cases are generally more effectual. 

Embrocations are often improperly employed, as in recent 
strains, or inflamed tumors, and other cases where emollient or cool- 
ing applications are required. Both strains and bruises are at first 
attended with a degree of inflammation proportionate to the vio- 
lence of the injury, and the susceptibility of the injured part ; there- 
fore they require, at first, such treatment as is calculated to subdue 
inflammation, as explained under head of "Sprains," etc. 

ANODYNE UNMENT. 

Castile soap 4 troy oz. 

Spirits of camphor 2 troy oz. 

Oil of rosemary J oz. 

Alcohol 2 pt. I 

Water 4 oz. 

Good for sprains, bruises, rheumatic pains, etc. 

LINIMENT OP AM.MONIA, OH VOLATILE LINIMENT. 

Strong solution of ammonia 1 oz. 

Olive-oil 2 oz. 

Mix. 

To this, camphor or oil of turpentine is sometimes added ; and 
the solution of ammonia is, for some purposes, joined to the soap 
liniment. 

MUSTAKD EMBROCATION. 

Flour of mustard 4 oz. 

Liquid ammonia 1 J oz. 

Oil of turpentine 1 oz. 

Water, a sufficient quantity to bring it to the consistency of 
cream. Flour of mustard mixed into a thin paste, with water only, 
is a powerful stimulant, and may be employed with good effect in 
cases of internal inflammation, either of the bowels or lungs. 

SOAP LINIMENT. 

Hard soap , 1 oz. 

Camphor 1 oz. 

Oil of rosemary 1 oz. 

Rectified spirits 1 pt. 

Cut up the soap, and let it stand with the spirits until dissolved, 
then add the rest. Good for sprains, bruises, etc. 



636 DISEASES AXD TUEIR TREATMENT. 

Caustics 

are substances which burn away the tissues of the body by decom- 
position of their elements, and are valuable to destroy fungous 
growth and set up healthy action. They are, consequently, often 
required to destroy proud flesh, kill the virus in poisoned wounds, 
stimulate old ulcers, excite healthy action in fistula, and remove 
warts, tumors, etc. 

Corrosive sublimate, in powder, acts energetically ; nitrate of 
silver is excellent to lower granulation ; sulphate of copper is not 
so strong as the above, but good ; chloride of zinc is a powerful caus- 
tic, and may be used in sinuses, in solution, seven drachms in a pint 
of water ; verdigris, either in powder or mixed with lard, is good as 
an ointment, in proportion of one to three parts. Carrying this 
treatment to extreme implies using a hot iron, the actual cautery. 

Vegetable Caustic-^Make a strong lye of hickory or oak ashes, 
put into an iron kettle, and evaporate to the consistency of thin 
molasses ; then remove into a sand bath, and continue the evapora- 
tion to the consistency of honey. Keep it in a stoppered, ground glass 
jar. 

This caustic is very valuable in fistulas, cancers, scrofulas, and 
indolent ulcers, particularly where there are sinuses, necrosis (or de- 
cay) of bone, and in all cases where there is proud flesh ; and also 
to excite a healthy action of the parts. It removes fungous flesh 
without exciting inflammation, and acts but little except on spongy 
or soft flesh. 

Rheumatism. 

When a horse is taken suddenly lame, or appears stiffened, 
without any apparent cause for it, and especially if the lame- 
ness seems to shift from one part to another, it may be suspected 
that it is rheumatism. Horses of a nervous temperament, that arc 
housed closely and pampered, are most liable to this trouble. 

It is very important that there should be no exposure to rain or 
cold, especially after being warmed up ; and, in fact, when there is 
a tendency to rheumatism, the same care, precautions, and princi- 
ples of treatment are to be observed that are generally used in hu- 
man practice. 

I may refer here to a point in the treatment of rheumatism, of 
great value, not only to horse owners, but to the profession generally. 
In conversation with an old veterinary surgeon, of great experience 
and skill, in speaking of the virtues of aconite in certain derange- 
ments of the circulation, he stated that years ago his wife had been 
subject to attacks of rheumatism of the most severe character. 



RHEUMATISM. 631 

There was one physician whose treatment seemed to be wonder- 
fully successful in giving relief Whenever she was taken suddenly, 
he was accustomed to immediately call in this physician. The lady 
being taken with a violent attack, and he going hurriedly for the 
physician, he found him just leaving to call on a patient that needed 
his immediate attention. Upon his making known his business, the 
physician said, " I cannot possibly go now ; but if you will go and 
get a preparation of aconite [which he described], I guess she will 
come out all right." Said he, " I went and got the aconite, and gave 
as directed. She got well, and," he added in a laughing way, " I 
never went back for him afterward ; and if taken in time, I '11 war- 
rant it will cure any case of rheumatism." 

A year or two afterward, being suddenly exposed to a cold, 
chilling rain, in the fall, without being provided with suitable under- 
clothing, I was taken with a severe attack of rheumatism in the right 
side and arm. I was in the country, where I could not obtain any 
medicine, and was compelled to wait for thirty-six hours, until I 
reached a point where there was a drug store, and obtained a little 
of the ordinary tincture of aconite. Of this I took six or eight drops 
three or four times a day. Within twelve hours I was sensibly re- 
lieved, and within two or three days I was well. During the suc- 
ceeding twelve or fourteen years I had several severe attacks, and 
each time was entirely relieved in from a few hours to a few days, 
by the use of the same remedy. But I was careful to take it 
promptly on the first appearance of the trouble. 

During my professional experience I was constantly subject to 
rheumatic attacks, there being a constant predisposition to them, 
compelling me to exercise the greatest precaution. To illustrate 
some of these attacks and the effects of the remedy, I would mention 
that there was such a constant inclination to it in the right arm and 
shoulder that every change of weather would be felt by me. For ex- 
ample, in Natick, Mass., when getting out of bed in the morning, the 
arm being strained a little, a violent attack set in, and in an hour or 
two I could not raise my arm to a horizontal position, the pain being 
so intense as to be almost unbearable. I immediately obtained a lit- 
tle aconite, took it as before stated, and by four o'clock that day I 
could easily raise the arm to the head, and in two or three days the 
trouble was all gone. 

The last attack was in the hip, occurring about three years be- 
fore this writing (1887). It also set in upon getting out of bed in 
the morning. The pain soon became intense, and I could scarcely 
walk. This attack seemed so severe that I felt doubtful of being re- 
lieved by my old remedy. I concluded, however, to try it, and, to 



632 DISEASES AND THEIR THEATMENT. 

my surprise and gratification, in twenty-four hours I was relieved, 
and in a few days the trouble had disappeared. 

I give these details, the better to illustrate to my readers the 
peculiar value of this simple remedy, with the desire to aid them. 
When, in consequence of a strain, there may be inflammation in the 
sheath of a tendon, or .any muscular injury, this remedy would be 
certainly indicated. In one instance where I was strained myself 
in ridinf,^ a mustanj^ pony, one of the tendons of the right leg was 
so strained that I was made seriously lame. I supposed of course it 
would pass off in time, but after a period of three months it became 
if anything increased, and was a very serious matter. A physician 
of large experience, whom I consulted, directed me to take small 
doses of aconite (about six to eight drops of the tincture three times 
a day). In three days the lameness entirely disappeared, and the 
pain causing it never returned. 

Whenever afterward any* of my horses were so injured or 
strained as to cause lameness, no matter whatever else I did, I gave 
this remedy in about the same proportion relatively, and there was 
in all cases a very satisfactory recovery. The remedy prescribed 
for ])neumonia (p. 485) is about the best preparation, I think, to be 
used. 1 used, when obtainable, the "fever medicine" recommended 
in the same chapter, and given also on page 877 in my large book 
on the horse, with very full facts of its use and manufacture. When 
rheumatism is suspected, whatever else is done, I would advise giv- 
ing from twenty-five to thirty drops of this preparation on the 
tongue, the same as recommended for colds, pleurisy, pneumonia, 
etc. In one case only that I knew to be a sharp attack of rheuma- 
tism, (lid I prescribe this when on the road, when there was en- 
tire relief 

The ordinary nature and symptoms of and treatment for rheu- 
matism, as given by our best authorities, are as follows : — 

Rheumatism is an inflammation of the joints, tendons, ligaments, 
or muscles, caused by an unhealthy condition of the blood, accom- 
panied by stiffness and lameness. The inflammation frequently 
changes its seat, and is rarely followed by suppuration. It is often 
a result of influenza, colds, and catarrhs, and sometimes is occasioned 
by exposure to cold and damp. 

ACUTK RlIKUMATISM, 

or rheumatic fever, starting with a lameness, with or without swell- 
ing of a joint, accompanied by dullness, quickened pulse, and heated 
skin, soon causes a poor appetite, a constipation of the bowels, 
and high coloring of the urine. An almost constant symptom is 



ailRONW lUIKUMA TIHM. 633 

an affection of the synovial membrane. In severe cases the affected 
animal stands with difficulty, the limbs are much swollen, and the 
regions of the joints arc bulged out, soft, and puffy. 

The remedies for acute rheumatism should be speedy antl ef- 
fective. The use of salicylic acid, with proper nursing, is recognized 
as about the best remedy. The followinf^' formulas, in the order 
given, are highly recommended by Icadiiij^r practitioners : — 

fialioylio acid 1 '»''■ 

Hicarbonalc of Hoda ' "Z. 

Mix in a pint of water or gruel, and give as a drench three or 

four times a day. 

Nilrato of potash i f- 

Powdered coUtliicum ' dr. 

Oil of tiirimntiiie I oz. 

To be mixed with linseed-oil and given at one dose, night and 

morning. 

Al.so,— 

Calomel 20 Kr- 

Quinine 20 (,'r. 

The following is highly recommended as a liniment : — 

Compound Boap liniment 10 oz. 

Ijiquor of ammonia 8 "Z- 

Tinoture of canlliarides 2 oz. 

Tincture of opium 2 oz. 

To be well rubbed in, and the affected limbs incased in warm 

flannel. 

Chronic Rheumatism 

does not change its locality as often as the acute form. This form 

usually attacks a joint, and results in ulceration of the cartilage and 

the increase of bony deposit surrounding it. The lameness caused 

by chronic rheumatism is exceedingly obstinate, and yields only to 

long-continued treatment. It returns on the least exposure. There 

is little fever attending this form of the disease, and the general 

condition of the patient during the continuance of the disease may 

be good. Hot fomentations, fully explained on page 616, would 

be the simplest, speediest, and most effective method of relieving 

severe pain and inflammation. 

The following remedy may be safely employed : — 

Carbonate of potawh 1 O"- 

Nitrate of potash 1 "*■• 

Iodide of potash 2 dr, 

Give in a pint ot>two of water ; to be repeated once a day for 
two or three days, and then omit a day or two, or lessen the amount. 



€34 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Warts. 

These are very common to horses, and quite annoying to 
most owners to manage, and it is very important to know 
how to treat them. Warts are of three kinds. The first is of 
a cartilaginous nature, and is contained in a sac, or shell, grown 
from the skin, and when this sac is divided, its contents drop out, 
leaving a clean cavity, which pretty soon vanishes. The operation 
is a comparatively painless one. The second kind is also cartilag- 
inous, but is not in a sac, adhering to the skin, and growing large, 
with a rough crown and a vascular body. When severely injured, 
it rarely heals, but ulcerates in a tedious manner. This is the same 
species of wart usually found on the human hand. The third species 
is hardly of the same nature as the others, consisting of a cuticular 
case, inclosing a soft granular substance. 

When the warts are found to be inclosed in a well-defined cu- 
ticular shell, the quickest and most humane practice is to take a 
sharp-pointed knife, and run the blade through each in succession. 
The edge should be cut away from the skin, and the knife being 
withdrawn with an upward, cutting motion, the sac and substance 
are both cut open. The inside may then be easily removed, and 
the part touched with this solution : — 

Chloride of zinc 1 gr. 

Water 1 oz. 

When the growth proves to be of the fixed cartilaginous kind, it 
should be at once removed, and this is best done with a knife, and 
the excrescence should be thoroughly cut away. The bleeding that 
will follow may be controlled by means of a hot iron. 

Should excision be objected to, caustics may be applied, such 
as strong acetic acid, butter of antimony, nitrate of silver, or lunar 
caustic. (See caustics on page 630.) Afterwards treat as an ordi- 
nary sore. 



ADDI770.VAL I'UESC lUl'TIONS. 63£ 

ADDITIONAL PRESCRIPTIONS. 



Al.TKRATIVES. 



I'OWDKKS. 



No. 1. — Tartar omotio 2 oz. 

Niter (saltpeter) 4 oz. 

Mix. 

Divide into twelve powders, one to be given twice a day in the 

food. U.seful in catarrh, influenza, and skin diseases. 

No. 2.— Sulphur 3 oz. 

Niter 2 oz. 

Antimony IJ oz. 

Mix. 

To be divided intcj six powders, one daily in the food. Useful 

in skin diseases. 



No. 1 . — Rarliadoes aloes 10 dr. 

Castile soap 12 dr. 

Powdered caraway seed. 13 dr. 

Powdered ginger 4 dr. 

Molasses or palm-oil sufficient to form a mass. Divide into six 
balls, one to be given every morning till the bowels are freely 
opened. Useful in hide-bound, costive bowels, and skin diseases. 

Diuretic Alteratives. 

BALLS. 

No. 1. — Powdered resin 4 oz. 

Castile soap 3 oz. 

Venetian turpentine 2 oz. 

Powdered caraway sufficient to form the mass. Divide into 
balls of a convenient size ; one daily, till diuresis is produced. Use- 
ful in swelled legs, dropsical effusion, weed, etc. 

Anti-Spasmodics. 

No. 1. — Sulphuric ether 1 oz. 

Infusion of opium 2 oz. 

Pei)|)ermint water 1 oz. 

Mix. 

To be given in a quart of cold water. Useful in flatulence, 

spasm, etc. 

No. 2. — Ether and chloroform, of each j oz. 

Tincture of opium 2 oz. 

Tincture of cardamom 1 oz. 

To be given in a quart of water. Useful in colic. 



630 DISK ASKS AM) Til El 11 Til K AT M EXT. 

No, il. — HpirilM (if jiiiiiiioiiiii (nroiiiiitic) 2 07,. 

Diliiln liyilriwyiiiilr, iiclrl 20 (IropH, 

'I'iiicliii'i^ of jfiiiK'''' ~ '"■■• 

To be ^jivcn ill il (|ii;irt of beer, well shiik'cii. Useful in spas- 
moilic ( olic, etc. 

ANODYNIO DIlAlIilirr, (ill DIllCNCII. 

Nil. 'l.--'riii(liirc iif (i|iiiim ' i to 1 o/,. 

H|iirilH of nilniiiH clIiDr 1 lo 2 oz. 

1';hsiii((^ (if pc|i|icrmlnt* 1 to 2 dr. 

Wnl.T 1 pi. 

ANoDYNK. ( AllMINATIVK, TINdUIlIC. 

No. B.- HchI 'l'iirl((?y opliini I oz. 

(MovcH, liriilwd 2 oz. 

.Iiiiiiiiicii (fiii(,'cr, liriiiH(!(l n oz. 

Old CoKiiiu; briiiidy 1 (|l.- While. 

DuKNcii I'OK Stomach S'ia(;(;ki<,s. 

No. 1.- UnrhnddcH iil(i(^H 5 dr. to 1 oz. 

CidiiMicI 2 dr. 

Od (if pcppcniiiiit 20 dropx. 

Wiiriii wiitcr I I>1. 

'riiicltini of ciirdiimom 2 oz. 

Mix, .mil y.wr :it (iiic dose. 

Asri<iN(;KNTS. 

No. 1. — I'owdiirnd o])liitii 1 dr. 

Pdwdiircd cati^cliii 8 dr. 

I'liwilrrrd rhalk 1 vJ t. 

To lie (Mvcii in anowroot, starch, or thick flour ^ruel. Useful 

in (li.irrliea or supcrpurj^atioii. 

N(i. 2.- Powdorcil ciiti'diii ninl iiliiiii. uf niicli ... .2 dr. 

I'liwili'fcd iipiiiMi 1 dr. 

I'dWilcicd fiiiiKcr 2 dr. 

Oil of rliivrs 10 dropH. 

Molasses to form" a ball. Useful in su])erpur^ration, diarrhea, 

etc. 

IlllYINd I'OWnif.llH. 

No. 1.- I'rcpiirril rluilU 4 OZ. 

Hiilphiilii of zinc 1 oz. 

Cliarcoiil 1 oz. 

Ariiicniiiii lioli' 2 oz. 

Mix. 

To be linid)' powdered, ,ind dustetl over raw surfaces. Useful 

for healinj^ wounds. 

AHTHINdlCNT LOTION 

No. 1.— Hulplia((i of -/.iiic 6 dr. 

Hiigar of lead 1 "l- 

Mix. 

•EiiBcni-c of pcppiTmlnt connUln of tin- (•SBi-ntlul oil of iicppirinlut dlHrnilviul In oplrlt of 
wine, one part of tlii- foriiitT to three of the hitter. 



ADDITIONAL I'li KSC.IUfTlONH. «:17 

To be flissolvcd in a (|ii.iit of vv.ilcr. Wcl tlic woimd tvviic a 
<lay vvilli (he lotion, well sliaki-n. llscfiil lor wounds, bniisi-s, etc. 

AH'ri(lN<IKNT OIN'l'MrCN'l'. 

No. 1.— Rf^Hiii (.iiitiiiriil, 4 (>/. 

Oil (if lnr|><!iitiiii^ I oz. 

I'liwdcrcil Hiil|ilial,r) of coiiprr i n/. 

Mix, and make an ointincnt. Useful for tardy sores and funpjus 

growths. 

Ul.ISTKKS. 
OIN'I'MKN'rH. 

No. 1. — I.iird I III, 

'ri]r|iirilirii) 4 o/.. 

I'dwdiriMl f1l(!H ■. . !1 o/., 

JJiiiiodido of mercury 'I dr 

To be thoroughly incor[)orat(:(l. Useful for splints, spavins, 

ring-bones, and enlar^jement of ^(lands. 

No. 2.— Liird I lli 

!!c<!FW»X 4 o/,. 

liliiiodiili: of iiii^miry Hi o7, 

Melt tli(! lard and wax, and add the biniodide, and stir till cold. 

Useful for enlarfumient of bone or [dandul.ir tissues. 

COI.I.VKIA fl'lVK-WA'IKKSj. 

No. 1. — NItrald of hMvit 'i. lo 10 KniliiH. 

Itiiiii, or diHlillrd WHliT I o/,. 

liifuHion iif o|iiiiiM 5 dropH. 

Mix. 

To be .i])plied to the eye with ;i fe.ither or cainel's-liair jiencil. 

Useful in opacity of the cornea, s])ccific oi)hthalmi.'t, etc. 

No. 2.— Hiilplmto of znic; i dr. 

AcMtiiUr of liMid 1 dr. 

I)iHl,dli;d wiiti^r ■ 16 o/,. 

Mix. 

To be used as ab.')vc. 

CoMi'Otmo Cami'iidk I-inimkni. 

(,'iiiii))lior 2 o«. 

HpirilH <if lavender 1 pi. 

I,li|iior uiiiiiioiiiii o/.. 

Mix. 

Useful in sjir.iins, or as a mild blister. 

(JOMI'OIJNU lOniNK I.INIMKNT. 

loiliiie 1 part. 

Soap liiiiiiiciit 8 parlH, 

Mix, and shake well. Useful in sj>rains, thickened tendf)ns, en- 

hirfjed (glands, etc. 



638 DISEASES AND THEIR TREAT MEXT. 

Condition Ball. 

No. 1. — Powdered ginger 1 dr. 

Powdered gentian 3 dr. 

Sulphate of iron 2 dr. 

Molasses sufficient to form a mass. To be made into one ball. 
Improves the appetite and stimulates digestion. 

Cordial Drench. 

No. L — Good old beer (warm) 1 qt. 

Powdered ginger }oz. 

Shake well. To be given in exhaustion, and recovery from de- 
bilitating diseases. 

Veterinary Aromatic Powder. 

Powdered caraway seeds 6 oz. 

Powdered allspice 4 oz. 

Jamaica ginger, powdered 2 oz. 

Licorice powder 2 oz. 

Mix. 

This is a good cordial powder, and may be given in a dose of 
two or three drachms in warm ale, in such cases as require the use 
of cordials. If the form of a ball is preferred, it may be obtained by 
beating up a dose of the powders with a little molasses. 

Cough Balls. 

No. 1. — Calomel 1 dr. 

Opium 1 dr. 

Camphor 1 dr. 

Digitalis 1 dr. 

Made into a ball, with molasses. One daily, till six are given, 

when a gentle laxative should be administered. — Dick. 

No. 2.— Digitalis h <Xt. 

Camphor 1 dr. 

Tartar emetic 1 dr. 

Linseed meal 1 dr. 

Nitrate of potass 3 dr. 

Made into a mass, with Barbadoes tar. Useful in chronic 
cough. Used as above. — Spooncr. 

Drench for a Cough. 

Bruise 3 ounces of fresh squills in a mortar, or 4 to 5 ounces of garUc, and 
macerate them in 13 ounces of vinegar in a slow oven or on a hot plate for one 
hour ; strain off the liquid part, and add to it one pound of treacle or honey. The 
dose in bad coughs is 3 to 4 ounces. If there exists much irritation, a tablespoonful 
of tincture of opium may be added to every 6 ounces. 



GENERAL INDEX, 



PART FIRST 



Abnormal presentations, 611. 

Acidity ot stomach, 534. 

Acute indigestion, 53.5. 

Adams, Dr., on bets, 516. 

Adaptation in domestic animals, 28. 

Adhesive plaster, a good, 572. 

Age, how to tell, 313. 

Amaurosis, 586. 

Anasarca, 589, 

Anchylosis of bones, 411. 

Arab horses, docility of, 27. 

Amd horse, 242. 

Ascaris, 509. 

Ascaris mystas, 511. 

Ascites, 587. 

Attention in care of horse, 408. 

Azoturia, 524. 

Back, teaching to, 93, 119. 
Back tendons, sprain of, 549. 
Bad to bridle, 181. 
Bad to shoe, 209. 

Confirmed in the habit, 215. 

Instances of, 213. 

Will not stand, 201 
Balking, 193. 

Double, 202. 

Illustrations of, 206. 

Medicine, 196. 

Regular treatment, 198. 

Restless, 199. 

Best treatment, 205. 

Starting the balker, 196. 
Balls, giving, 621. 
Bellows Falls horse, 220. 
Belly, dropsy of, 587. 
Biting while grooming, ISl. 
Bit, " \V," or breaking, 88. 

Four-ring, 94, 175. 

Half-moon, 97. 

Spoon, 98. 
Bitting, 111. 

Bitting rig in training mouth, 110. 
Bleeding, 626. 
Blind BiUy, 275. 
Blinders, 255. 

A cause of injury, 256. 

When to use, 123. 

Representative cases, 258. 
Blistering for spavin, 419. 
Blisters, 613. 



Blood, circulation ofj 401. 
Bloody urine, 519. 
Bog spavins, 428. 
Bone, anchylosis of, 411. 
Caries of, 412. 
Xecrosis of, 413. 
Bones of the feet, 331. 
Bonner, Robert, eulogy on, 330. 
Bony enlaigement, 414. 
Bots, 513. 

Bowels, inflammation of, 502. 
Breaking a horse to lead, 101. 

Hafter-pullers, 101. 
Breaking bit, 88, 191. 
Breaking down, 554. 

In breaking balkers, 105. 
Breeding, 296. 

Care of the mare, 298. 
Bridle, war, 81, 107. 
First form, 81. 
Details of its application, 82. 
Second form, 84. 
Double draw hitch form, 85. 
Secret of using, 87. 
Bridle, patent, 99, 189, 206, 235. 
Broken knees, 562. 
Broken wind, 466. 
Bronchitis, 478, 492. 
Bronchocele, 471. 
Brookville horse, 150. 
Bruises, 548. 
Bruise of the sole, 540. 
Of the checks, 575. 
Burrs, use of, 254. 

Calks, 540. 

Serious case of, 542. 
Canker, 547. 
Capped hock, 430. 
Care of mare in breeding, 298. 

In going round a horse, 239. 
Carelessness in shoeing, results of, 536. 
Caries of bone, 412. 

Of tooth, 322. 
Carrots, a good laxative, 308. 
Cast in stall, 272. 
Castration, 60S. 
Cataract, 586. 
Catarrh, 453. 
Cathartics, 625. 
Catarrhal fever, 473. 

639 



640 



GENERAL INDEX: PART FIRST. 



Causes of injury, 3S3. 

Caustics, 630. 

Character spoiled by rough treatment, 234. 

Cheek, overdraw, 173. 

Checking and blinders, 246. 

Cruelty of, 246. 

IBustrative cases, 252. 
Cheeks, cuts or bruises on, 575 
Chronic cough, 464. 

Founder, 449. 

Rheumatism, 630. 
Circulation of blood, 401. 
Cleveland horse, 1411. 
Clicking, 379. 
CUnching down nails. 347. 
Colic, 493. 

Spasmodic, 495. 

Flatulent, 49S. 
CoUar galls, 605. 
Colt, hitching the, 12S. 
Colt training, 106. 
Congestion of lungs, 476, 4S0. 
Constipation, 50S. 
Contraction, its cure, 351. 
Cooking food, 309. 
Cord used for war bridle, 82. 
Corns, 369. 
Cough, chronic, 464. 
Counter-irritants, 613. 
Cow, to lead a, easily. 274. 
Cracked heels, 597, 599. 
Crack, quarter, 365. 
Crescent shoes, 390. 
Cribbing, how to break the habit, 266. 

Gross's device for, 267. 

Throat-strap for same, 267. , 

French method of, 269. 
Cropping and docking, 247. 
Curb, 427. 

Cuts or wounds, 568. 
Cuts on cheeks, 575. 
Cystitis, 51S. 



Dexter, routine of care of, .310. 

Diabetes, 517. 

Diaphragm, spasmodic action of, 531. 

Diarrhea, 506. 

Dick Christian, secret of, 43. 

Diseases and their treatment, 401. 

Diseases of the bdnes, 411. 

Eye, 579. 

Feet, 536. 

Lungs, 476. 

Nervous system. 520. 

Skin, 592! 
Dislocation of patella, 566. 
Diuresis, 517. 

Division of the tendons, 006. 
Docking. 247. 
Double balking, 202. 
Driving in harness, 118. 

Without reins, 285. 
Driving nails, methods of, 345. 
Dropsy of belly, 587. 



Elbow, tumor on, 604. 

Embrocations, 628. 

English method of driving nails, 345. 

Enlargement, bony, 414. 

Epizootic, 473. 

Equestrianism, 286. 

Beneficial to health, 293. 
Excessive fear, its effects, 130. 
Exostosis, 414. 
Eye, diseases of, 579. 

Inflammation of, 581. 

False ring-bone. 426. 
Farcy. 459. 
Fear", 130. 

Of rattle of wagon, 135. 

Top carriage, 136. 

Threshing-machine, 138. 

Robe, 139. 

Umbrella or parasol. 14!. 

Sound of a gun, 141. 

Objects while riding or driving. 13S. 

Hogs and dogs, 142. 

Railroad cars, 142. 

.Jumping out of shafts, 130. 

Insanity, 143. 
Feeding and watering, 307. 

Effects of overfeeding, 307. 

Mr. Bonner's svstem of, 310. 
Feet, 298. 

Bones of, 330. 

Kind of in good breeders, 298. 
Fetlock, sprain of, 555. 
Filaria, 510. 
Firing, 420. 

Pyro-pimcturing process, 423. 
First method of subjection, 52. 
Fissure in the toe, 369. 
Fistula of withers, 575. 
Flatulent colic, 498. 
Fleming on paring and rasping, 385. 
Foaling, 611. 
Follow by the whip, 275. 
Fomentations, hot, 616. 
Food, ooolcing the, 309. 
Foot, the, 536. 

Accidents and injuries of, 536. 

Lameness. 538. 
Foot-strap, 101. 
Founder, 441. 

Foundered horses, shoeing, 3S1. 
Four-ring bit. 175, 188. 
Fractures, 565. 
Frog-pressure, 352. 

Gadfly, 513. 

Galls, collar and saddle, 605. 

Gallupville horse, 164. 

Gamgee, Prof., on quittor, 544. 

Getting cast in stall, 272. 

Glanders and farcy, 459. 

Glass-eye, 586. 

Glass, stepping on, 536. 

Gross's device for cm-iug cribbing, 267. 



GENERAL JXDEX : FART FIRST. 



G41 



GraveliDs:, 539. 

Grease 600. 

Great Barrington balking case, 206. 

Half-moou bit, 97, 1S6. 
Haltering, simple way of, ll.">. 
Halter-puUiug, 101, 222. 

Instances of, 224. 
Hamill, Prof., on tip shoeing, 335. 
Harnessing, kicking while, 179. 
Headstrong stallions, treatment for, 235 
Heaves, 466. 
Heels, opening the, 360. 

Weak, 374. 
Hen lice, 595. 
Herman horse, 234. 
Herpes, 597. 
Hetrick horse, 149. 
High checking, 248. 
Hind feet, to shoe, 348. 
Hip lameness, 559. 
Hip strap, 174. 
Hitching a colt, 128. 

To wagon, 121. 

To stand without, 231. 
Hives, 593. 
Hoof-ointment, 600. 
Horseback riding, 286. 
Horse distemper, 457. 
Hot fomentations, 616. 
Hydrothorax, 490. 

Idiopathic tetanus, 529. 
Indiana stallion, 148. 
Indigestion, 534. 

Acute, 535. 
Inflammation of bowels, 502. 

Bladder, 518. 

Brain, 520. 

Eyes, 581. 

Feet, 536. 

Kidneys. 516. 

Lungs, 483. 

Os pedis, 452. 

Veins, 590. 
Influenza, 473. 
Injury, special causes of, 382. 
Injuries to the tongue, 574. 
Insanity, 143. 
Interfering, 373. 

Jennings, Dr., on caries of teeth, 463. 
Jumping out of shafts, 136. 
Over fences, 273. 

Kickers in stall, 176. 

Switching, 170. 

Runaway, 124. 
Kicking, 148. 

Common causes of, 151. 

Cows, 273. 

Illustrative cases, 148. 

In stall, 271. 

While harnessing, 179. 



Kicking-straps, 171. 
Kiss, teaching to, 279. 
Knees, broken, 562. 
Knuckling over, 561. 

Ladies riding, 293. 

Lameness, navicular-joiut, 432, 556. 

Foot, 538. 

Hip, 559. 

Shoulder, 556. 

Stifle-joint, 567. 
Laminitis, 441. 

Dr. Meyer's treatment of, 446. 

Dr. Shepard's, 447. 

Dr. Hamill's, 448. 
Lampas, 591. 
Lancaster horse, 150. 
Laryngitis, 455. 

Lead, breaking a horse to, 101. 
Lead a cow easily, to, 274. 
Leaning over, 221. 
Leveling feet for shoeing, 339. 
Lie down, teaching to, 279. 
Liniments, 629. 
Lock-jaw, 528. 
Lowering vitality, 39. 
Lugging, 190. 
Lumbricoides, 512. 
Lungs, congestion of, 480. 
Lymphangitis, 532. 

Mad staggers, 520. 

Maine man's method with bal'iiers, 197. 

Mallenders, 605. 

Mammitis, Appendix, 472. 

Mange, 593. 

Mansfield mare, 149. 

Mare, care of in breeding, 298. 

McBeth, Dr., on spinal meningitis, 525. 

Mc Bride, Prof., on check-rein, 254. 

McLellan, Prof., on tip shoeing, 337. 

Megrims, 522. 

Meningitis, spinal, 524. 

Metastasis, 520. 

Methods of subjection. First, 52. 

Second, 61. 

Third, 71. 
'•Monday morning leg," 532. 
Mouth, training of, 110. 

ControUing, 183. 

Sore, 575. 
Mud fever or scratches, 597. 
Mule, treatment of, 263. 

For saddle gall, 265. 

WaUiug, 343. 

CUnching down, 347. 
Nails, driving in deep, 536. 
Nails, stepping on, 536. 
Nasal gleet, 471. 

Navicular-joint lameness, 432, 556. 
Necrosis of bone, 413. 
Neglect of horses when hitched, 261 
Nervous system, diseases of, 520. 



642 



GENERAL INDEX: FART FIRST. 



Nettle rash, 593. 
Norwalk horse, 150. 

Objects, fear of, 138. 
t)hiections in stabling, 30i. 
Ointments, 572. 

Hoof, eoo. 

Opening the heels, 360. 

Quarters, Roberge's method, 362. 
Open joint, 562. 
Ophthalmia, 5S1. 

Specific or periodic, 5S3. 
Osmer on shoeing, 387. 
Overdraw check, 173. 
Overloading, 207. 
Overreaching, 379, 543. 
Oxyures, 510. 

PainesviUe horse, 192. 
Paralysis, 527. 

Partial, 524. 
Parasites, 509. 
Paring foot, evils of, 3f)0. 
Parturition, 611. 
Patella, dislocation of, 566. 
Patent bridle, 99, 1S9, 206, 225. 
Pawing in stall, 271. 
Peditis, 452. 

Penis, injuries and diseases of, 610. 
Pennington horse, 235. 
Perforans tendon, strain of, 556. 
Performing blind horse, 2S4. 
Peritonitis, 533; 
Phlebitis, 590. 
Phlebotomy, 626. 
Phrenitis, 520. 

Physical power, resorting to, 38. 
Physicking, 623. 
Pink-eye, 475. 

Plaster, a good adhesive, 572. 
Pleurisy, 476, 4S6. 
Pneumonia, 483. 

Typhoid, 491. 
Poling a horse, 117. 
Poll-evU, 57S. 
Poultices, 618. 
Prairie hay as food, 307. 
Prescriptions and recipes, 635. 
Presentations, abnormal, 611. 
Pricking in shoeing, 349, 536. 
Princess, her feet, 329. 
Principles of treatment, 32. 
Profuse staling, 517. 
Putney horse, 149. 
Pulling upon one rein, 190. 
Pulse, the, 619. 
Pyro-puncturing process, 423. 

Qualities for management of horse, 49. 
QuarterK^rack, 365. 
Quittor, 543. 

Railway cars, fear of, 142. 
Recipes and prescriptions, 635. 



Ravenna colt, 150. 
Reins, driving without, 285. 
Retention of urine, 519. 
Rheumatism, 630. 

Acute, 632. 

Chronic, 633. 
Riding horseback, 2S6. 
Rigs for throwing, 52. 
Rine-bone, 425. 
"False, 426. 
Ring-worm, 596. 

Vesicular, 597. 
Roaring, 469. 
Robe, fear of, 139. 
Roberts horse, 233. 
Rolling motion shoe, 364. 
Rowels, 628. 
Rucking, 349. 
Running away, 183. 
Running back in stall, 230. 



Saddle and collar galls, 603. 
Saddle gall in mules, 265. 
Sallenders, 604. 
Sand-crack, 369. 
Scratches, 597, 599. 
Secret of Dick Christian, 43. 
Seedy toe, 539. 
Setons, 627. 

Shafts, jumping out of, 136. 
Sheath, foulness of, 610. 
Shoe, the rolling motion, 364. 
Shoeing, 329. 

Foundered horses, 381. 

Hind feet, 348. 

Nailing, 343. 

Pricking and ruckinsr, 349. 

Tips or thin shoes, 334. 

Trimming, 338. 
Shoulder galls, 603. 

Lameness, 556. 

Tumor on, 602. 
Side-bone, or false ring-bone, 426. 
Sinuses, 570. 
Skin, diseases of, 592. 

Ointment for, 600. 
Skull, injuries to, 520, 
Sleepy staggers, 520. 
Sole, bruises of, 540. 
Sore throat, 455. 
Sore mouth, 575. 
Spasmodic colic, 495. 
Spasmodic actic>D of the diaphragm, 531.. 
Spavin, 417. 

Bog, 428. 
Special causes of injury, 382. 
Spinal meningitis, 524. 
Splent, or splint, 415. 
Spoiled by fright, 132. 
Spoon bit, different forms of, 186. 
Sprains, bruises, etc., 548. 
Sprains of back tendons, 549. 

Of fetlock, 555. 

Of perforans tendon, 556. 



GENERAL INDEX: PART FIRST. 



043 



Stabling, 301. 

Stables, veutllatiOD of, 303. 

Staliug, profuse, ,M7. 

Staggers, 520. 

Stalliou.s, 233. 

Fred Arud horse, 243. 

Indiaua stallion, 148. 

Jet, 339. 

Herman hor.se, 334. 

Lancaster horse, 150. 

Roberts horse, 233. 

Treatment for headstrong, 235. 
Standing without hitehing, 231. ^ 

Starting the balker, 19(5. 
Stepping on nails, glass, etc., 536. 
Stifle, 566. 

Stifle-joint lameness, 567. 
Stomach, the, 534. 

Acidity of, 534. 
Strangles, 457. 
Striughalt, 530. 
Strongyii, 510. 
Stumbiing, 381. 
Subjection, first method, 53. 

Natures that will not bear It, 60. 

Instructions for throwing, 55. 

Second method, 61. 

Third method, 71. 
Submission, signs of, 75. 
Sun-strolie, 533. 
Superpurgation, 506. 
Surfeit, 593. 
Sutures, 571. 
Sweeney, 558. 
Swelled legs, 589. 
Switching kickers, 170. 

Synovial membrane, danger of cutting in 
throwing, 101. 

Tape-worm, 510. 

Teaching a suUen colt to lead, 126. 

To follow by the whip, 375. 

To lead with the whip, 138. 

To lie down, 279. 

To stop instantly, 93. 

To tell his age, 377. 
Teeth, the, 313. 

Telling the age by, 313. 
Tender-bitted, 373. 
Tendons, back, sprain of, 549. 

Uivision of, 606. 
Tenotomy, 605, 006. 
Tent, dressing with, 569. 
Teres lumbrici, 509. 
Tetanus, 538. 

Idiopathic, 539. 

Traumatic, 539. 
Throat-strap to cure cribbing, 367. 
Thorough-pin, 42S. 
Thrombus, 591. 
Throwing, rigs for, 52. 

Instructions for, 55. 

Danger in throwing forcibly, 101. 
Thrush, 540. 
Thumps, 531. 



Tips or thin shoes, 334. 

Toe, fissure in, 369. 

Tommy, the throwing pony, 383. 

Tongue, injuries to, 574. 

Tracheotomy, 628. 

Training with common halter, 10,7. 

To lead with whip, 138. 

To handle the feet, 108. 

The mouth, 110. 
Treads, 540. 
Treatment for very vicious horses, 319. 

For very vicious stallions, 337. 

For headstrong stallions, 235. 
Tricks, teaching, 275. 
Trichocephalus dispar, 510. 
Trimming for shoeing, 338. 
Trocar and cauula, 501. 
Tumor on shoulder, 602. 

On point of elljow, 604. 
Tympanites, 498. 
Typhoid pneumonia, 491. 

Umbrella, fear of, 141. 
lljiper jaw bit, 94. 
Urine, bloody, 519. 

Retention of, 519. 
Urticaria, 593. 

Veins, inflammation of, 590. 
Ventilation of stabies, 303. 
Vertigo, 522. 
Vesicular ring-worm, 597. 
Very vicious horses, treatment of, 319, 235, 
237. 

War bridle, 81. 

Details of its application, 83. 

Double draw hitch form, 85. 

In colt training, 107, 118. 

lu treatment of kickers, 176. 

Secret of using, 87. 

With breaking rig, 105. 
Watering, 311. 
Water in the chest, 490. 
Weak heels, 374. 
Weed, 532. 

Whip, kind of to use, 229. 
Wild Pete, 144. 
Will not back, 190. 
Will not stand, 201. 
Wind-broken, 466. 
Wind-sucking, 269. 
Wind-galls, 430. 
Withers, fistula of, 575. 
" W," or breaking-bit, 88. 

Point of its use, 93. 
Worms, 509. 

Symptoms of, 510. 
Wounds, 568. 

Incised, 569. 

Punctured, 571. 

Yard, foulness of, 610. 
Yoautt on colic, 497. 



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